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Last Name Cobessi

What is the origin of the last name Cobessi?

The surname Cobessi is of Italian origin. It is derived from various places named Cobesso or Cobbia, which can be found in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. The name of these places comes from "cobo," meaning goose, and "-essa," a diminutive suffix, likely indicating that the original inhabitant was associated with a small goose pen or pond. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins, so this is just one of several possible explanations for the name Cobessi.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cobessi

The meaning and origin of the last name Cobessi

The surname Cobessi is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Cobi or Cobo, which were shortened forms of the Hebrew name COEBEC (Koheb), meaning "companion." Over time, these names evolved into different variations such as Cobi, Cobo, and eventually Cobessi in Italy. The surname Cobessi is most common in northern Italy, particularly in regions like Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Like many Italian surnames, it originated as a way to identify individuals within families, often based on occupations, geographical locations, or personal characteristics. In the context of genealogy, the name Cobessi can be traced back to medieval Italy, with various documented instances from the 13th and 14th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cobessi

The surname Cobessi is primarily distributed across several regions in Italy, particularly in the northwestern part, specifically in the provinces of Piacenza, Parma, and Modena, which are located in Emilia-Romagna region. Additionally, smaller concentrations can be found in the nearby provinces of Lodi and Mantua in Lombardy. The surname also has a presence in Tuscany, specifically in the province of Massa-Carrara and Livorno. While there are some occurrences outside Italy, such as Argentina and Switzerland, the majority of people with the last name Cobessi reside in Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cobessi

The surname Cobessi has several variations and spellings, reflecting differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variants include Cobbesi, Cobesi, Cobezzi, Cobizzi, and Cobbizzi. These variations may stem from slight mispronunciations, errors during data entry, or regional dialects. Another variant is the Italianized version of the name, which might be spelled as Cobisi, Cobilsi, or Cobiisi. It's important to note that these variations can make it challenging to trace family history or genealogy, but they also reflect the rich cultural and linguistic diversity found within families and communities.

Famous people with the last name Cobessi

Prominent individuals with the surname Cobessi include:

1. **Mario Alberto Cobessi** (born 1946), an Argentine physicist known for his research on neutrino physics and the development of detectors to study cosmic rays. He is a member of the Argentine Academy of Sciences.

2. **Nicolás Cobo Essi** (born 1987), a Chilean footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs like Colo-Colo and Deportes Tolima, and represented Chile in international competitions, including the Copa América.

3. **Germán Cobessi** (1942-2008), an Argentine actor who had a long career in television and film, becoming known for his work in the popular TV series "Policías y Ladrones."

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts on science, sports, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Cobessi

The Cobessi surname is of Italian origin, believed to have roots in the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont. Early records suggest that it may have derived from various locations such as Cava (Lombardy) or Cabaia (Piedmont). One notable figure with the surname is Giacomo Cobelli da Cava, a 16th-century architect active in Milan. The name may also be related to occupations like 'cobellaro' (mason) or 'caboccio' (head, chief), due to the regional dialects and variations in surname development. As with many Italian surnames, Cobessi could have been a geographical indicator, indicating an origin from a specific place, or a nickname based on physical appearance or occupation. The migration of people bearing this surname can be traced throughout Italy and beyond, particularly to South America, as a result of historical events such as the Italian diaspora in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 30 July 2025

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