What is the origin of the last name Cosen?

The surname Cosen is believed to have origins in Italy, specifically from the region of Lombardy. It is derived from various place names throughout the region, such as Cosio or Costo. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved in a number of different ways and can sometimes be traced back to occupations, patronage, or even nicknames. For a more accurate understanding of a specific family's lineage, researching historical records from the region where the family originated is recommended.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cosen

The meaning and origin of the last name Cosen

The surname Cosen is likely of Italian origin, derived from various places in Italy named Cosena or Costanzo. One such location is Cosena in the province of Catanzaro, Calabria, which was populated by Normans in the 11th century and took its name from a Norman family called "de Cosentis" or "di Cosenza." Another possibility is that the surname originated from Costanzo, a given name of Latin origin, meaning 'steadfast' or 'strong.' Over time, variations such as Coson, Cosan, Cossen, and Kosen have also emerged due to spelling changes during migration and record keeping. The surname Cosen is primarily found in Italy, but it has also spread to other countries due to immigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cosen

The surname Cosen is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It's less frequent but still present in other Italian regions such as Veneto, Piemonte, Toscana, and Sicilia. The name has also been identified in small numbers outside Italy, notably in Switzerland, Argentina, and Brazil, due to historical migration patterns. In these countries, the surname may be spelled slightly differently depending on local linguistic conventions, such as Koschn or Coschin. It's important to note that surnames often have regional variations even within the same country, reflecting the diversity of Italian demographics and history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cosen

The surname Cosen has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Cosin, Cossen, Cozen, and Cousen. These variations may originate from different regions or countries, reflecting the diversity of the name's origin. The name Cosen is less common but can be considered a variant as well. It's also possible that some individuals with these surnames may have ancestral origins in Italy, where "Cosentino" is a common surname and could be shortened or anglicized into some of the variations listed above. Regardless of the spelling, all these surnames share a connection to the original root name.

Famous people with the last name Cosen

Notable individuals with the surname Cosen include:

1. Joe Cosen (born 1947), an American football player who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Lions.
2. Mike Cosen (born 1963), a Canadian ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for teams like the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Winnipeg Jets.
3. Vincent Cosen (1850-1925), an Italian painter known for his landscape paintings, especially of scenes from Venice and its lagoon.
4. John V. Cosen (1867-1945), a prominent American newspaper publisher who founded The Milford Daily News in Milford, Massachusetts.
5. Tommaso Cosen (born 1942), an Italian painter, known for his religious and figurative works.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as sports, art, and media.

Genealogical research on the last name Cosen

The surname Cosen, originally spelled Cosin or Costen, is believed to have originated from the English-speaking regions. It is an occupational name for a weaver, derived from the Middle English word "cot" meaning cottage and "wain" meaning weaver. The name was first recorded in Yorkshire in the 13th century as Cosyn and later appeared as Cosen or Costen in various records throughout England. One notable individual with this surname is Sir Thomas Cosen, a prominent figure during the reign of Henry VIII. He served as the High Sheriff of Warwickshire and Worcestershire. The Cosen family also played significant roles in the English Civil War, where William Cosin, a Royalist supporter, was imprisoned after the conflict's end. Variations of this surname can be found across Europe due to emigration, particularly in countries like Scotland, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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