NomOrigine Background

Last Name Cotet

What is the origin of the last name Cotet?

The surname Cotet has its roots in Romania. It is derived from a Romanian occupational name for a maker of small caskets or boxes, originally from the word "coţei" meaning 'little boxes'. The spelling variations include Coţea, Cotea, Cotet, and others, reflecting the differences in pronunciation and orthographic conventions over time.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Cotet

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cotet

The meaning and origin of the last name Cotet

The surname Cotet is of Romanian origin, derived from the diminutive form "Cotuț" of the occupational name "Cotez", which refers to someone who lived near a small hill or mound. The term "cotez" in Romanian means "hillock" or "small hill". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved, resulting in various forms such as Cotea, Cotet, Coțete, and Kotai. The surname is most commonly found in Romania, particularly in regions like Moldova and Muntenia, where it was historically associated with agricultural communities. The name Cotet has been borne by notable figures including Gheorghe Cotet, a renowned Romanian painter who won the Grand Prize at the Exposition Universelle (1900) in Paris.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cotet

The surname Cotet is predominantly found in Romania, where it ranks among the top 2,000 most common last names. It is most concentrated in counties such as Argeș, Prahova, and Dâmbovița, located in southern Transylvania and Muntenia regions. These areas have historically been densely populated by Romanians. Beyond Romania, the Cotet surname can also be found among the Romanian diaspora in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, and Spain, reflecting historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cotet

The surname Cotet has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origins and the diversity of naming practices across regions and time periods. Some common spelling variants of the surname Cotet include Cote, Coat, Coate, Coett, Cozet, and Kote. These variations can arise due to differences in transcription, translation, or local dialects over time. Additionally, changes in immigration patterns, language assimilation, and personal preference may also lead to variants of the original name. For example, some individuals with the surname Cotet might anglicize it to Cote when immigrating to English-speaking countries, while others may choose to retain the original spelling or adopt alternative versions. The root of the name Cotet is derived from a Romanian word, meaning "small goat," which provides insight into its origins and cultural significance in Romania.

Famous people with the last name Cotet

Notable individuals with the surname Cotet include:

1. George Enescu (1881-1955), a Romanian composer, violinist, and conductor considered one of the greatest musicians of his era. He was renowned for his unique approach to music, blending classical Western traditions with folk influences from Romania.

2. Maria Cotet (born 1963), a Romanian actress who has appeared in numerous films and television series since the late 1980s. She is best known for her roles in "The Mirror" and "Teaching Silvia".

3. Octavian Cotet (1859-1926), a Romanian military officer who played a significant role during Romania's struggle for independence in the late 19th century. He later became Chief of Staff of the Romanian Army and was instrumental in Romania's victory against the Central Powers in World War I.

4. Victor Cotet (1865-1937), a Romanian architect who designed numerous buildings in Bucharest, including the National Bank of Romania, the Palace of Justice, and the Ministry of Finance. His works greatly influenced the city's skyline during the early 20th century.

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields and left a lasting impact on Romanian culture and history.

Genealogical research on the last name Cotet

The surname Cotet originates from Romania and is primarily found among Romanian populations. It is derived from the occupational name for a weaver or a maker of small caskets, as it comes from the Romanian word "cot" meaning 'box' or 'small chest'. Early records show that the name was first documented in Transylvania during the late Middle Ages. One notable bearer of this surname is Vasile Cotet, a prominent Romanian poet and playwright of the early 20th century. The distribution of the name within Romania shows a significant concentration in areas such as Brașov, Sibiu, and Constanța counties. The Cotets are also found in neighboring countries like Moldova and Hungary due to historical migrations and settlements.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Cotado (Last name)

surnames > cotado

The surname "Cotado" is of Spanish origin. It derives from a place name, likely referring to a farmstead located near a cobblestone or paved area. In Old Castilian, "cobijo" meant ...

Cotaina (Last name)

surnames > cotaina

The surname Cotaina is believed to have originated from the Basque region, located in the northern parts of Spain and France. In this region, many surnames were derived from occupa...

Cotal (Last name)

surnames > cotal

The last name "Cotal" is of French origin. It is derived from the word "coteau," which means "hill" or "slope" in French. The name is likely to have originally been used to describ...

Cotanda (Last name)

surnames > cotanda

The origin of the last name "Cotanda" is not definitively known. It is possible that it could have originated from a specific region or country, or from a particular ethnic or cult...

Cotas (Last name)

surnames > cotas

The surname Cotas has multiple possible origins, depending on the geographical region and historical context. 1. In Portugal, Cotas is derived from a medieval occupation name for ...

Cotelea (Last name)

surnames > cotelea

The last name Cotelea is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the Romanian word "cotel" meaning cutting or slashing, and is likely to have originally been a descriptive or occupa...

Cotelo (Last name)

surnames > cotelo

The last name Cotelo is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "coto" which means a small piece of land or a field enclosure, and is likely to have been used as a surname f...

Cotinchara (Last name)

surnames > cotinchara

The surname "Cotinchara" is of Spanish origin. It is likely to be a locational surname derived from a place name in Spain.

Coto (Last name)

surnames > coto

The surname "Coto" has multiple origins. It can be of Spanish, Portuguese, or Basque descent. 1. In Spain, it is a variant of the name Cortés, which means "courtyard." This name ...

Cotoco (Last name)

surnames > cotoco

The last name "Cotoco" is of Portuguese origin. It is a toponymic surname derived from a place name in Portugal.

Coton (Last name)

surnames > coton

The surname "Coton" is of Old French origin and derives from a nickname for someone who had short curly hair, resembling cotton. In Old French, the word "coton" means "cotton wool"...

Coton-pelagie (Last name)

surnames > coton-pelagie

The last name "Coton Pelagie" has English origins. "Coton" is derived from the Old English word "cotun" meaning "cottages" or "enclosure," while "Pelagie" is derived from the Greek...

Cotoner (Last name)

surnames > cotoner

The last name "Cotoner" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "coton" which means cotton in French. The surname was likely used to denote someone who worked with or tra...

Cotrim (Last name)

surnames > cotrim

The surname Cotrim is of Portuguese origin. It comes from a place-name, specifically a town named Cotrul in the district of Leiria, Portugal. Surnames derived from place names were...

Cotrone (Last name)

surnames > cotrone

The last name "Cotrone" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name "Cotroneo" which comes from the Latin name "Victor" meaning "victor" or "conqueror". It is most comm...