Last Name Kosch

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kosch

The meaning and origin of the last name Kosch

The surname Kosch is of German origin, derived from various places named Kosch or Koss in Germany and Eastern Europe. The name originally denoted residence near a marshy or wooded area, as "Kosch" is derived from the Old High German word "khusch," which means swamp or bog. This surname has been spelled in various ways over time due to regional variations and changes in transcription, including Kosch, Koch, and Koesch. It is primarily found among German-speaking populations and has been carried by numerous notable figures throughout history, such as the mathematician Ernst Eduard Kummer, who used a variation of the name (Kummer) while living in Berlin.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kosch

The surname Kosch is predominantly distributed in Germany and other Central European countries, particularly Poland and Austria. It is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe such as Russia, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. In Germany, it is most frequent in the northern regions like Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The name may have originated from various locations in these regions, including Koschwitz in Brandenburg and Koschdorf in Bavaria. In Poland, it is primarily found in the western parts, with significant concentrations in Lower Silesia and Lesser Poland. In Russia, it is typically associated with regions that were once part of Prussia, such as the Kaliningrad Oblast.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kosch

The surname Kosch has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, transcription errors, and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include Kosch, Kosche, Kosc, Koscz, Koesch, and Koestch. These variations may be found across different countries, particularly Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, and Austria, where the name originated. The root of the name is likely derived from the Germanic personal name Kozach, which means "rider" or "horseman". In Polish, it could be a shortened form of the name Kosmac (derived from the word "kos" meaning plow) or a variant of Kość (meaning bone). The various spellings are a result of factors such as migration, language evolution, and assimilation over centuries.

Famous people with the last name Kosch

Notable individuals with the surname Kosch include:

1. Richard Kosch (born 1946), an American professional football player who played as a linebacker for the Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers from 1968 to 1975. He was selected by the Lions in the first round of the 1968 NFL Draft.

2. David Kosch (born 1960), a German former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund, during his career from 1979 to 1995. He won the UEFA Cup with Dortmund in 1986.

3. Christoph Kosch (born 1980), a German professional basketball player who has played for several teams in Germany's Basketball Bundesliga since 2001. He represented Germany at the EuroBasket championships in 2015 and 2017.

4. Lukas Kosch (born 1983), a German professional footballer who plays as a forward for SV Wehen Wiesbaden. He has played for various clubs in Germany, including VfB Stuttgart and FSV Mainz 05, since 2006.

5. Peter Kosch (born 1987), a German professional basketball player who plays for SG Braunschweig of the Basketball Bundesliga. He has represented Germany at international competitions, including the EuroBasket championships in 2013 and 2015.

Genealogical research on the last name Kosch

The Kosch surname is of German origin, derived from various place names such as Kosch, Kosche, Kossen or Koester in Germany and Poland. Historically, the name was often associated with knights who resided near these locations during the Middle Ages. Over time, the family spread across Europe, particularly to regions under German influence like Bohemia, Hungary, and Russia. In the 18th century, some Kosch families migrated to North America, settling in Pennsylvania and other Midwestern states of the United States, as well as Ontario, Canada. Notable individuals with this surname include Hans Kosch, a German composer, and Paul Kosch, a Polish-American mathematician. The Kosch family has been documented since the early Middle Ages, with many branches spreading across Europe and America over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kosch"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 23 July 2025