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Last Name Cossin

What is the origin of the last name Cossin?

The surname "Cossin" is of French origin. It is derived from a variety of places named "Cossigny", "Cossé-d'Anjou", and "Cossé-le-Vivien" in France, which are all named after the Old French word "cose", meaning "goat". The name was likely brought to other countries, such as England and North America, by French settlers. However, it is important to note that surnames often evolved over time and variations may exist due to factors like spelling errors, phonetic changes, or migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cossin

The meaning and origin of the last name Cossin

The surname Cossin is of French origin, derived from various places in France named Cossigny, Cousigny, or Cousin. These place names are believed to have been named after a Gallo-Roman family with the name Cossius, which was common in Gaul during the Roman Empire. The surname Cossin evolved as a result of various phonetic and orthographic changes over time, reflecting regional dialects and scribal errors. It's worth noting that the surname can also be found in Dutch-speaking regions due to historical links between France and the Netherlands. Over time, the name spread beyond its original geographical origins as a result of migration, particularly during the Middle Ages and the early modern period.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cossin

The last name Cossin is predominantly found in France and Belgium, with significant concentrations in both countries. In France, it is most common in the regions of Lorraine, Champagne-Ardenne, and Franche-Comté, reflecting the historical presence of the Duchy of Lothringen, from which the name may originate. In Belgium, Cossin is particularly prevalent in the Flemish region, specifically in East Flanders and Brabant. The last name has also been recorded in smaller numbers in other European countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, indicating possible migration or dispersal from its primary regions of origin. Additionally, there are some occurrences of Cossin in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, likely due to immigration from France and Belgium over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cossin

The surname Cossin has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common versions include Cossins, Cosin, Cosyn, Cossen, Cossain, Cossein, and Costin. These variations may stem from alterations during migration or changes in spelling conventions over the centuries. The name is believed to have originated from a location named Cossignano in Italy, but it has also been suggested that it could be of French origin, derived from the Old French word "coseigne" meaning "farm". Despite these variations, they all share a common root and are generally considered forms of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Cossin

Notable individuals with the surname Cossin include:

1. Marc Cossin (born 1968), French football player who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs, including Lens and Metz, and was capped once by France in 1994.

2. Michel Cossin (1730–1799), a French painter known for his landscapes and seascapes, particularly those featuring the coast of Normandy.

3. Pierre Cossin (1863–1951), a French sculptor who was a student of Jules Dalou. His works include busts of politicians like Léon Gambetta and Georges Clemenceau, as well as several monuments in France.

4. Philippe Cossin (born 1970), a French journalist and writer who has authored several books on sports, including biographies of footballers Zinedine Zidane and Paul Pogba.

5. Raphaël Cossin (1862–1934), a French painter who specialized in landscapes and seascapes, particularly those of Brittany. He was a student of Henri Harpignies and Jules Adolphe Breton.

Genealogical research on the last name Cossin

The surname Cossin is believed to have originated from France and Switzerland. The name is a variant of Coste, meaning "of the coast" or "dweller near a wooden structure." Historical records suggest that the family originated in Normandy, France, with early ancestors migrating to Switzerland during the Middle Ages. From there, branches of the Cossin family dispersed across Europe, with some settling in Germany and later immigrating to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries. Notable figures bearing the name include Pierre Cossin, a French engraver, and François Cossin, a Swiss watchmaker of the Renaissance period. In North America, the surname is most prevalent in Quebec and Ontario, Canada, as well as parts of the United States, particularly Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts.

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 : 27 July 2025

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