Last Name Cosby

The surname Cosby, also spelled Cossbie, Coosby, or Cosbie, is of English origin and belongs to several different families. It is a locative name from places called Cosby in Leicestershire and Northumberland, England. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who lived by the place called "Cossesbi" (meaning 'cottage of the cows' or 'hut of the cowherd'), which was later Anglicized to Cosby. The Leicestershire village of Cosby is recorded in the Domesday Book, a survey conducted in 1086 by William the Conqueror, while the Northumberland location may have been founded later during medieval times. The name may also be of Norman origin, derived from the personal name Cossier or Cossebert, which were brought to England by the Normans following the conquest in 1066.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cosby

The meaning and origin of the last name Cosby

The surname Cosby is of English origin, primarily found among people from Scotland and Ireland. It is derived from the Old Norse name "Kjosbekr," which translates to "cow's pasture." This name was anglicized as "Cosebi" or "Cosi," and eventually evolved into the modern form, Cosby. The surname may have also been a topographic name for someone who lived near a cow pasture or a habitation name for someone who resided at such a location. Over time, variations of the name appeared due to spelling changes, including Cossiby, Cusby, and Cosbie. Notable figures bearing this surname include American comedian Bill Cosby and English actor Richard Cosby.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cosby

The last name Cosby is primarily distributed in regions with historical ties to England and Scotland. In the United States, it is most prevalent in states that were once British colonies, particularly Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland. This can be attributed to the initial immigration of people bearing the surname from these areas. In England, the highest concentrations are found in the counties of Cumberland, Durham, Northumberland, and Westmorland. In Scotland, it is most common in the Lothians, Fife, and the Borders region. The Cosby family originated from a village named Cosby in Leicestershire, England, which may explain the geographical distribution of the surname across regions with historical English influence.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cosby

The last name Cosby has several variations and spellings due to different transcription methods over time. Some of these include:

1. Cosbie
2. Cosbey
3. Cosbye
4. Coseby
5. Cozby
6. Coosby
7. Coozie
8. Kosbee
9. Kosbe
10. Kozby
11. Kuzy
12. Cossby (less common)

These variations may have emerged due to regional dialects, spelling reforms, or errors during the transcription of names over centuries. Despite these differences, they all share a common origin and can generally be traced back to the same ancestor or lineage.

Famous people with the last name Cosby

Bill Cosby and Ensa Cosby are among the most renowned individuals with the surname Cosby. Bill Cosby, born in 1937, is a legendary American comedian, actor, and author, best known for his role as Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable on the television show "The Cosby Show," which he also co-created. He was also the first African American to have a primetime comedy series on network TV. Ensa Cosby, Bill's daughter, was an activist and public speaker who often addressed issues such as mental health awareness and police brutality. She died in 2018 due to kidney disease. Despite legal troubles facing Bill Cosby related to sexual assault allegations, both he and his daughter have left significant impacts in the fields of comedy, entertainment, and social activism.

Genealogical research on the last name Cosby

The Cosby surname originated from Scotland and England, specifically Cumbria and Northumberland regions. The name is derived from a place name consisting of the Old English elements 'cosa' (enclosure) or 'cos(t)a' (wood) and 'beorh' (birch tree). Early notable bearers of the Cosby name include Adam de Cosby, who lived in Northumberland during the 13th century, and Robert Cosby, a prominent landowner in Cumbria around the same period. Over time, the family branched out, with some members settling in Ireland due to Norman conquests. Notable Irish Cosbys include Sir William Cosby, Governor of Northern Ireland in the 17th century, and Daniel Cosgrave Cosby, an Anglican bishop in the 19th century. In America, the Cosby family can be traced back to John Cosby, who arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1635. The most famous member of the Cosby family is comedian and actor Bill Cosby, born in Philadelphia in the mid-20th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cosby"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 27 July 2025

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