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Last Name Cosic

What is the origin of the last name Cosic?

The surname Cosic is of Slavic origin, specifically associated with the South Slavic countries like Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia. It's derived from various given names that have been Slavicized over time. For instance, in Croatian, "Cos" can mean "man" or "little," while "ić" is a common patronymic suffix indicating son or descendant of someone with the first name beginning with the preceding letter. Therefore, Cosic could potentially translate to "son of Kos," where Kos is a name meaning "man." However, it's essential to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and may have varied in different regions and historical periods.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cosic

The meaning and origin of the last name Cosic

The surname Cosic is of Slavic origin, particularly prevalent among Croatian, Serbian, and Bosnian populations. It derives from the given name Kosika, which is a feminine form of the name Kosana. The name Kosana has its roots in Old Slavic language, where "kos" means horse or mare. Over time, the surname Cosic evolved from various permutations and diminutive forms of Kosana, reflecting different regional dialects and traditions within Slavic-speaking cultures. This surname represents a rich history and cultural heritage for those who bear it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cosic

The surname Cosic is predominantly found in Southeastern Europe, particularly in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. It is derived from the Slavic personal name Kozma or Kosma, which means "the lord" or "the world." The surname Cosic can also be found in some other parts of Europe due to migrations and displacements caused by historical events such as the Yugoslav Wars and World War II. In addition, there are small populations of people with this surname in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where they have emigrated from the regions mentioned above. The highest concentration of the Cosic surname can be found in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cosic

The surname Cosic can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include: Cossich, Cositch, Kosič, Kozič, Kössi, Kössich, Kosich, and Košić. These variations may originate from different regions or periods of history, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped family names throughout the years. Regardless of spelling, all these versions are derived from the Slavic name related to the occupations of a "blacksmith" or "smith," indicating someone who works metal, particularly iron.

Famous people with the last name Cosic

Ismail Kadare, an Albanian novelist and poet, is one of the most renowned figures with the surname Cosic. Born in Gjirokaster, Albania in 1936, he is best known for his novels such as "The General of the Dead Army" and "Chronicle in Stone." Kadare has been awarded numerous prestigious literary prizes including the Neustadt International Prize for Literature and the Prix France Culture. Another prominent individual with the last name Cosic is Mircea Eliade, a Romanian historian of religion and philosopher. Born in 1907, he made significant contributions to the study of comparative religions, mythology, and shamanism, earning him a nomination for the Nobel Prize in Literature. His works include "The Sacred and the Profane" and "The Myth of the Eternal Return."

Genealogical research on the last name Cosic

The Cosic surname originates from the Balkan region, particularly Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The name is derived from various locations such as Kosinj in Gorski Kotar, Croatia or Kozica, a village near Fojnica, Bosnia-Herzegovina. In these regions, the name has been recorded since the Middle Ages. Migration patterns indicate that many Cosics emigrated from the Balkans to countries like Austria-Hungary, Italy, and later, the United States, during the 19th and 20th centuries. The name can also be found in other Slavic countries due to historical migrations. In North America, the largest concentrations of Cosics are in the United States, with significant populations in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio, where they settled primarily in the 19th century due to industrial growth and immigration policies.

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 : 29 July 2025

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