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Last Name Kosar

What is the origin of the last name Kosar?

The surname Kosar is of Hungarian and Slavic origin. In Hungary, it is a variant of the name Kósa, which means "little pig" or "young pig." In Slavic countries such as Poland, Croatia, and Czech Republic, it can be derived from the word kozar, meaning "grassland" or "pasture." It may also be a variant of Kozar, a surname found in several European countries. In some cases, Kosar could have been an occupational name for a butcher or pig farmer, or it might have been a topographical name for someone who lived near a grassy area. However, the exact origin can vary depending on the specific family and region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kosar

The meaning and origin of the last name Kosar

The surname Kosar is of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine, Poland, and Czech Republic. It's derived from various Slavic elements such as 'koz' meaning goat or 'kozy' meaning hunchback, and '-ar' indicating a diminutive suffix. The name Kosar may have been originally a nickname given to someone who was small and shaped like a goat, or it could have denoted someone who lived near a place named with one of these goat-related Slavic words. Over time, the name has been spread by migration, with many bearers settling in other parts of Europe and the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kosar

The surname Kosar is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Ukraine, Poland, and Hungary. It originates from the Slavic language and is a variant of the name Kozar, which means 'highlands' or 'mountains'. The name is also present in smaller numbers in other Slavic nations such as Czech Republic and Slovakia, due to historical migrations and cultural exchange. In addition, there are communities of individuals with the Kosar surname in various diaspora populations, particularly in countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia, where Eastern European immigrants settled during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kosar

The surname Kosar can be spelled and pronounced in various ways due to differences in transliteration and regional variations. Some common variations include:

1. Kosar
2. Kossar
3. Kössler (Germanized form)
4. Kozar
5. Košár (Slovakian form)
6. Kosař (Czech form)
7. Kosařík (diminutive Czech form)
8. Kozarić (Croatian form)
9. Kosarzewski (Polonized form)
10. Kossowski (Polish form)

These variations may arise from different linguistic and cultural influences, as well as errors in transcription and record keeping over time. It is essential to note that the specific spelling of a name can vary depending on the individual's ancestral background or personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Kosar

Notable individuals with the surname Kosar include Nick Kosir, an American professional ice hockey player who played for teams such as the Dallas Stars and the New York Rangers; Ricky Kosir, a former American football tight end who played for the University of Florida and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2015; and George Kosar, an American screenwriter and producer known for his work on movies like "The Fugitive" and "Jurassic Park." Additionally, David Kosar, a psychologist and author, is known for his books exploring topics such as religion, parapsychology, and the psychology of consciousness. Lastly, Michael Kosarin, a Canadian television writer, has worked on popular shows like "The Littlest Hobo," "Road to Avonlea," and "ReGenesis."

Genealogical research on the last name Kosar

The Kosar surname is of Slavic origin, predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine and Poland. It is derived from the given name Kozara or Kozar, which means "wild boar" in Old Slavonic language. The earliest recorded instances of the Kosar surname date back to the 13th century in Poland and 16th century in Ukraine. Notable figures bearing the Kosar name include Ukrainian composer and pianist Volodymyr Kosar, and Polish scientist Jan Kosar. Variations of the name, such as Kossar, Koszer, and Köszörű, are also found among Eastern European populations. The Kosar family lineage exhibits a diverse distribution across several countries in Eastern Europe and North America, indicating a rich history and widespread dispersal.

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 : 28 July 2025

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