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Last Name Kouba

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What is the origin of the last name Kouba?

The surname Kouba (also spelled as Kuba, Cubba, Coba, etc.) is of Czech and Slovak origin. It is derived from a Slavic personal name "Kubica" or "Kobila", which means "little mare" or "female horse". In some cases, it may also be a topographic surname derived from the word "koub" meaning a small hillock or mound. The Czech and Slovak population has historically been concentrated in Central Europe, primarily in present-day Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kouba

The meaning and origin of the last name Kouba

The surname Kouba is primarily found among the Czech and Slovak populations. Its origin can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it was derived from various place names with the suffix "-ova" or "-ob" in Bohemia (present-day Czech Republic) and Moravia (part of modern-day Czech Republic and Slovakia). The name Kouba is thought to have been a topographic name for someone who lived by a steep hill or rocky outcrop, as "koup" means "hill" or "rock" in both Czech and Slovak languages. Over time, the surname has spread beyond its original region of origin due to migration and assimilation. Today, Kouba is a common name among the Czech and Slovak diaspora worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kouba

The surname Kouba is primarily concentrated in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, where it is among the top 10,000 most common surnames. A significant number of Kouba-bearers can also be found in Hungary, Romania, and Russia. Smaller groups are distributed across other European countries. Outside Europe, the name is scarcely represented, with a few occurrences in the United States, primarily among immigrants from Eastern Europe. In addition, it appears sporadically in Canada, Australia, and South America, suggesting dispersal of Kouba-bearers through migration. The name's geographical distribution reflects historical patterns of European migration and population movements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kouba

The surname Kouba has several variations and spellings, often arising from differences in regional pronunciation and transcription conventions. Some common spelling variants of this surname include: Koubeh, Koub, Koba, Coba, Koubaa, Kobe, Cobe, and Qouba. These variations can be found in different countries and regions where the name is prevalent, such as France, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and other North African and French-speaking communities. It's important to note that these spellings may reflect phonetic differences rather than changes in meaning or origin. The root form of this surname is likely Arabic, with the base 'kubbah' meaning 'dome' or 'round structure.' This suggests a potential association with building trades or architectural professions among families who bear this name.

Famous people with the last name Kouba

Prominent individuals bearing the surname Kouba include:

1. **Anne Kouba**, an American actress known for her roles in films like "The Great Outdoors" and "The Fan." She is also recognized as a voice actor, providing voices for various animated series.

2. **Jim Koubas**, a renowned American illustrator who has worked extensively in the comic book industry. His work includes illustrations for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Dark Horse Comics.

3. **Vlastimil Kouba**, a Czech professional ice hockey player who played as a goalkeeper in several European leagues throughout his career. He also represented the Czech Republic national team.

4. **Jan Kouba**, a Czech politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2019, representing the Christian Democrats – Union of Freedom party.

5. **Vaclav Kouba**, a Czech professional footballer who played for various clubs in Europe, including Slavia Prague and FC Basel. He also represented the Czech Republic national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Kouba

The surname Kouba is primarily of Czech origin, derived from the male given name Kouba, which means "cowherd" or "shepherd." Historically, it was most prominent in Bohemia, a region now part of the Czech Republic. Notable early bearers of the name include Jan Kouba (16th century), a lawyer and diplomat during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and František Kouba (19th century), a composer and music pedagogue. The name has also been found in Slovakia, Poland, and other Central European countries due to historical migrations and assimilation. In the United States, the first Koubas arrived in the late 1800s, primarily from Bohemia and Moravia, with significant clusters in states like Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Today, the surname is also found in Australia, Canada, and other countries, reflecting the global dispersal of people bearing this name.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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