Last Name Kooi

The surname Kooi is of Dutch origin. It is a topographic name for someone who lived by a cow pasture or by a pen or enclosure where cows were kept. In Dutch, "kooi" means a cow shed or cow pasture. It is derived from the Middle Dutch word "coye" or "koeie," which means cow. Topographic surnames were often given to people based on where they lived or worked.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kooi

The meaning and origin of the last name Kooi

Kooi is a surname of Dutch origin, derived from the word "kooi" meaning "cage" or "coop." It is likely an occupational surname for someone who worked as a birdcatcher or falconer, or possibly a topographic surname for someone who lived near a place where birds were kept or caught. The surname may also have been given to someone who lived in a house with a prominent cage or coop structure on the property. The name Kooi is found primarily in the northern region of the Netherlands, particularly in the provinces of Friesland and Groningen. Over time, variations of the surname have developed, such as Kooij, Kooy, and de Kooij, but they all stem from the original Dutch word for "cage" or "coop."

Geographical distribution of the last name Kooi

The last name Kooi is primarily found in the Netherlands, with significant concentrations in the provinces of Friesland and Groningen. The surname is of Frisian origin, and is believed to have originally referred to someone who lived near a marsh or pond. Kooi can also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, such as Germany and Belgium, as well as in the United States, particularly in states with strong Dutch immigrant populations like Michigan and Iowa. The distribution of the Kooi surname reflects the historical migration patterns of the Dutch people, who often settled in areas with similar landscapes to their homeland. Today, individuals with the last name Kooi can be found around the world, but their largest population remains in the Netherlands.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kooi

Kooi is a Dutch surname that has several variations and spellings. Some common variations of the last name Kooi include Kooij, Koy, and Kooijman. The spelling of the name can also differ depending on the region or individual family. Other possible spellings of Kooi could be Kooy, Kooijs, Kooyman, or Kooitje. The name Kooi is believed to be derived from a Dutch word meaning "cage" or "enclosure," suggesting that it may have originally been a occupational surname for someone who worked with animals or in a farming capacity. With its various spellings and variations, the surname Kooi reflects the diverse and rich history of Dutch culture and language.

Famous people with the last name Kooi

One famous person with the last name Kooi is Peter Kooi, a Dutch professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various teams in the Netherlands, including FC Twente and SC Heerenveen. He is known for his impressive reflexes and shot-stopping abilities on the field. Another notable individual with the last name Kooi is Harm Kooi, a Dutch biologist known for his research on plant genetics and breeding. He has made significant contributions to the field of agriculture and is considered an expert in plant breeding techniques. The Kooi family name may not be as widely recognized as other surnames, but individuals like Peter and Harm Kooi have made a name for themselves in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Kooi

The surname Kooi is a Dutch and Frisian name that has its origins in the Old Frisian word "kove" meaning "cage" or "an enclosure for trapping animals." It is believed to have been used as an occupational surname for someone who made or used traps. The Kooi family likely originated in the northern regions of the Netherlands and spread to other parts of the country over the years. Variants of the surname include Kooij, Kooy, and Kooijman. Genealogical research on the Kooi family may reveal connections to families in the Netherlands and possibly other countries with Dutch influence, such as South Africa or the United States. Tracing the family history of the Kooi surname could provide insights into the occupations, movements, and relationships of ancestors with this distinctive name.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kooi"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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