Last Name Costil

The surname Costil has roots in various regions, but it is most commonly associated with Portugal and Spain. In Portuguese, "costa" means coast or side, while in Spanish, "costilla" translates to rib. It's possible that some families bearing this name originated from locations near coastal areas or had occupations related to fishing or agriculture along the coast. The surname may have also arisen as a nickname for someone who was thin, similar to English surnames like "Thin" or "Slim." However, it's important to note that surnames often have complex histories and can vary based on specific families and regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Costil

The meaning and origin of the last name Costil

The surname Costil is of French origin, derived from the Old Occitan word "costel," which means ribcage or breastbone. It was initially a nickname for someone with a prominent chest or a physical characteristic resembling a ribcage. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary name, passed down through generations. The surname Costil has several variations, including Costelet, Coston, and Cozzolino, reflecting regional dialects and spelling adaptations. It is predominantly found in France, as well as among French-speaking communities worldwide, such as Quebec, Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Costil

The surname Costil is predominantly found in Portugal and Spain, reflecting its likely Iberian origin. In Portugal, it is most concentrated in the northwestern region of Minho, particularly in districts such as Braga, Viana do Castelo, and Porto. In Spain, it is more dispersed but has a notable presence in Galicia, specifically in the provinces of A Coruña and Lugo, due to historical migration patterns and cultural ties with Portugal. There have also been immigrants bearing the Costil surname in other parts of Europe, particularly France and Germany, as well as South America, primarily Brazil, and North America, mainly Canada and the United States, where the diaspora from Portugal and Spain has led to the spread of this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Costil

The surname Costil can have various spellings and slight variations due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription. Some common variants include: Costel, Costelle, Costille, Costell, Costelet, Costet, Costayre, Costar, Costaire, Costard, and Costary. These variations may arise from phonetic spelling changes or historical influences in different countries. Additionally, there might be regional namesakes like Köstlich (German), Kostielny (Polish), or Costello (Irish), which are not direct transcriptions of the French "Costil," but have similar roots and meanings. These variations serve as evidence of the name's historical and geographical dispersal across different cultures.

Famous people with the last name Costil

Notable individuals with the surname Costil include:

1. Marc Costil (born 1972), French retired footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs including Olympique de Marseille and Toulouse FC.
2. Gérard Costil (born 1946), French politician who served as a member of the National Assembly from 2002 to 2017, representing the Seine-et-Marne department.
3. Pierre-Louis Costil (born 1985), French pole vaulter who won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
4. Jean Costil (1898–1944), French Resistance member and martyr during World War II, recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem for saving Jewish lives.
5. Pierre Costil (born 1927), French mathematician who made contributions to mathematical logic and theoretical computer science.

Genealogical research on the last name Costil

The surname Costil is believed to have origins rooted in various regions in France. One theory suggests it originated from the Old French word "cote," meaning rib or side, indicating a geographical reference such as someone living on a hillside or ridge. Another theory associates it with the occupational name for a maker of corsets or a tailor specializing in sewing costumes.

The Costil family is known to have been present in Normandy during the Middle Ages, particularly in the regions of Eure and Seine-Maritime. Migration from France to other parts of Europe and the Americas began in the 17th century, with a significant number of Costils settling in Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States. In America, they are predominantly found in Louisiana and Virginia, where French colonization played a crucial role.

Notable figures bearing the surname Costil include Jean-Baptiste Costil, a prominent military officer in 18th-century France, and Charles Costil, an artist who gained recognition for his landscapes in the late 19th century. The global distribution of the Costil family today is widespread, with significant populations found in France, the United States, Canada, and Belgium.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "costil"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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