Last Name Kos

The surname "Kos" has multiple possible origins across Europe. It is most commonly found among people of Greek and Jewish descent. For Greeks, the name "Kos" may originate from the island of Kos in Greece, where it was used as a personal name and later became a surname. In this context, it could be a topographic name for someone who lived on or near a small hill or mound, as "kos" means "hill" in Greek. Among Jews, the name "Kos" is often Ashkenazic and may have been an occupational name for a butcher (in Yiddish, "kozer" means butcher), although its use as a surname has spread beyond this original meaning. In some cases, "Kos" could also be a shortened form of a Slavic given name like "Konstantinos" or "Kostya," which would not have Greek or Jewish origins. However, it's essential to note that surnames can evolve over time and take on different meanings in various regions and cultures. It is always best to research the specific history of a particular family when tracing its roots.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kos

The meaning and origin of the last name Kos

The surname Kos is of Greek origin, derived from the word "κόσμος" (kosmos), which means "order," "ornament," or "world" in Greek. It is one of the most common surnames in Greece and among the Greek diaspora. The name can be traced back to ancient times, with early recorded instances found in Byzantine records from the Middle Ages. Over time, various spellings of the name have emerged due to transliteration and migration, such as Costa, Kostas, Coste, or Coss. Today, the surname Kos is widely dispersed across Greece and other countries with significant Greek populations, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and many others. It is also a popular choice for newborns in these countries, reflecting the ongoing influence of Greek culture and traditions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kos

The surname Kos is primarily distributed across Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. In Poland, it ranks among the top 100 most common surnames. It's also present in significant numbers in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and other Baltic states. The Kos name is also found in smaller numbers in Scandinavia, particularly Sweden, due to historical migrations. In North America, a substantial number of individuals with the Kos surname are of Polish or Russian descent, particularly in the United States and Canada. While it's less common, the Kos name can be found in various parts of the world where diaspora communities from Eastern Europe reside.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kos

The surname Kos has several variants and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include: Costas, Kostas, Koestas, Köstler, Köster, Koster, Coste, Côté, Koste, Koszta, Kosta, Kossa, and Kossuth. These variations often arise due to transliteration or phonetic differences in different languages. For instance, the German spelling is Köstler or Köster, while in Hungarian it's Koszta. In some cases, a family may have adopted an anglicized version of the name such as Coste becoming Coast or Côté becoming Coté. It's important to note that these variations can stem from cultural assimilation, migration, or simply personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Kos

Notable individuals bearing the surname Kos include:

1. Alexei Kos (born 1972), a Russian artist known for his works that explore themes of human vulnerability and existentialism.
2. Alexander Kos (1880-1936), a Ukrainian Bolshevik revolutionary, who played an instrumental role in the establishment of Soviet power in Ukraine.
3. Andrew Kosove (born 1975), an American film producer known for producing movies such as "The Blind Side" and "Everest".
4. Anna Kos-Chatziioannou (born 1960), a Greek politician who served as the Minister of Health and Social Solidarity from 2013 to 2015.
5. Constantine Kosmas (1872-1914), a Greek naval officer and hero of the Balkan Wars, whose actions during the Battle of Elli in 1912 earned him significant recognition.
6. Dimitrios Kosmos (born 1965), a Greek-American mathematician known for his work on algebraic geometry and mirror symmetry.
7. Peter Kosmala (born 1984), an American soccer player who played professionally in Poland, Sweden, and the United States.
8. Stanisław Kosior (1885-1939), a Soviet politician of Polish descent, who served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Ukraine from 1926 to 1934.
9. Tom Kos (born 1970), an American television producer and screenwriter known for his work on "The Simpsons".

These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields, including art, politics, mathematics, sports, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Kos

The surname Kos originates from Eastern Europe, primarily associated with Slavic nations such as Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. The name has several possible origins; it could derive from the Old Slavonic word "kos", meaning plow or tillage, indicating a profession related to agriculture. Another theory suggests that the name might have been a nickname for someone who was short or stocky, coming from the same Old Slavonic root. The Kos family has several notable members throughout history, including Kosma Koszutski, a Polish poet and playwright, and Sergei Kosonogov, a Russian naval officer who participated in the Battle of Tsushima during World War I. Genealogical research on the Kos surname often leads to significant discoveries within Slavic cultures, providing insight into their customs, traditions, and historical events.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kos"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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