The given name Corbyn is of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh word "cor," meaning "a dwarf" or "a crow." It dates back to the Middle Ages and was initially used as a surname in Wales before later becoming a given name.

In the 13th century, the name Corbyn appeared in historical records as a surname, often spelled as "Corbin" or "Corbyn." One of the earliest recorded instances was Sir Corbyn Le Venur, a Norman knight who fought in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

During the Middle Ages, the name Corbyn was also associated with the Corbenic, a mystical castle in Arthurian legend that housed the Holy Grail. This connection likely contributed to the name's popularity among Welsh and English families during that time.

One of the earliest known individuals with the given name Corbyn was Corbyn ap Gwilym (born around 1320), a Welsh poet and bard who lived during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. His works are regarded as significant contributions to the Welsh literary tradition.

In the 16th century, Corbyn Vychan (c. 1500-1570) was a Welsh landowner and politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Denbighshire. He was a prominent figure in the region and played a role in the local administration.

Another notable bearer of the name was Corbyn Morris (1710-1779), a Welsh clergyman and author who wrote several religious works and served as the rector of Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd in Denbighshire.

In the 19th century, Corbyn Corbett (1819-1888) was a British politician and landowner from Shropshire. He served as a Member of Parliament for Shropshire North from 1868 to 1880.

More recently, Corbyn Woodhill (1911-1995) was an Australian architect and academic known for his contributions to the modernist architectural movement in Australia. He designed several notable buildings, including the Sydney Opera House Studio and the University of Sydney's Merewether Building.