Last Name Cosman

The surname "Cosman" is of Germanic origin. It derives from the Middle High German word "kozma," which means "cosmos" or "universe." This name was originally a medieval personal name and was also used as an occupational surname for someone who dealt in cosmetics, as the Old English term "cosmetic" was derived from the Latin "Cosmetica," which came from the Greek word "kosmos" meaning order or decoration. The Germanic form of this name eventually evolved into the modern spelling of Cosman.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cosman

The meaning and origin of the last name Cosman

The surname Cosman is primarily of Germanic and Jewish origins. Derived from the given name Kosmas or Kusma, it has multiple possible meanings. In Old High German, Kosman could translate to "from the barley field," referring to a geographical location where the family resided near a barley field. Alternatively, in Slavic languages, Kosman may signify "little king" or "royal servant."

The Jewish origin of Cosman is associated with the Hebrew name Kushman, meaning "merchant of blacksmith's goods," which could have been adopted by individuals who were merchants or artisans in metalworking. The surname can be found across Europe but has a strong presence in countries such as Germany, Poland, and Russia due to historical migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cosman

The Cosman surname is primarily concentrated in Europe, with significant populations found in several Central and Eastern European countries. Historically, it has been most prevalent in Poland, where it ranks among the top 3,000 surnames. Smaller groups can also be found in neighboring countries such as Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, and the Czech Republic. Smatterings of Cosmans can also be found in other parts of Europe, including Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, and Lithuania. In North America, the surname is more sparsely distributed with concentrations in the United States (particularly in Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania) and Canada (especially Ontario). The Cosman surname is less common in other parts of the world, although some individuals bearing this name can be found in Australia, South America, Africa, and Asia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cosman

The surname Cosman has multiple variants and spellings due to historical factors such as phonetic spelling, transliteration, and regional dialects. Here are some possible variations:

1. Cosman: This is the standard English spelling of the surname. It originates from various regions, including Central Europe and Romania.
2. Cossmann: This is a common variation found in Germany and Austria. The double 's' indicates that it is a possessive name, meaning "belonging to Cosman."
3. Cosmon: A less common variant found predominantly in Eastern Europe, this spelling may reflect regional dialect pronunciation differences.
4. Costmann: This spelling appears mainly in German-speaking areas, where the 'c' is often replaced with 'k' or 'ts.'
5. Kozman: In some Slavic countries, the surname Cosman can be found as Kozman or a similar variation due to differences in phonetics and spelling conventions.
6. Kosman: Another variant of the name found among Eastern European communities, especially those from Russia or Ukraine. This spelling may reflect a more common pronunciation or dialect difference.

Famous people with the last name Cosman

Notable individuals bearing the surname Cosman include:

1. Lila Cosman (born 1937), an American mathematician recognized for her work on algebraic geometry and representation theory. She was a professor at the University of Michigan and has been awarded several prestigious awards in her field.

2. Samuel Cosman (1865-1946), a Russian-born architect who immigrated to the United States in 1879. He gained prominence for designing numerous buildings in New York City, including the Cosmopolitan Club and the Hotel Martinique.

3. Edward Cosman (1923-2015), an American molecular biologist known for his research on bacteriophages and their potential applications in medicine. He worked at the National Institutes of Health and published numerous papers throughout his career.

4. Lisa Cosman, a Canadian journalist and author who has worked for various media outlets including the Globe and Mail and CBC News. She is known for her coverage of social issues and her books on mental health and addiction.

5. Richard E. Cosman (1938-2014), an American paleontologist and professor at Harvard University. He specialized in vertebrate paleontology, particularly dinosaurs, and published several influential works in the field.

Genealogical research on the last name Cosman

The surname Cosman originates from Central Europe, particularly Germany and Poland, where it is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages. Variations such as Kosman, Kossmann, and Kossman are also found. Notable individuals bearing this name include Jewish rabbi Isaac Kosson (16th century), Polish painter Konstanty Laszczowski-Kosman (1834-1907), and American professional ice hockey player Tony Cosman (born 1962). The name is thought to be derived from the Germanic personal name Kossa or Kose, meaning "helmet," possibly indicating a warrior ancestor. As with many surnames, its origins can be traced back to specific geographic locations and historical events, providing a fascinating journey into the past for individuals researching their Cosman family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cosman"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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