Last Name Kozar

The last name Kozar is of Slavic origin, meaning "goat herder" or "one who tends to goats". It is a common surname in countries such as Croatia, Serbia, and Hungary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kozar

The meaning and origin of the last name Kozar

The surname Kozar is of Eastern European origin, particularly from countries like Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. The name is derived from the word "koza" which means "goat" in various Slavic languages. Kozar is believed to have originally been an occupational surname for someone who herded or raised goats. Over time, the surname may have been adopted by individuals who lived in areas where goat farming was a common practice. The name may have also been given to individuals who demonstrated characteristics associated with goats, such as agility, versatility, or stubbornness. Today, the surname Kozar is still relatively common in Eastern Europe and among descendants of Eastern European immigrants around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kozar

The last name Kozar is most commonly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland. It is a Slavic surname derived from the Polish word "koza," meaning "goat," and is typically associated with families that were once involved in goat farming or herding. The name is also prevalent in Ukraine and Croatia, where variations such as Kozarov and Kozarić can be found. In the United States, the name Kozar is less common but can still be found among descendants of Eastern European immigrants. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Kozar is concentrated in Eastern Europe, reflecting the historical and cultural roots of the surname in this region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kozar

The last name Kozar can be spelled and written in different variations, depending on the region and language. Some common variants include Kozar, Kozár, Kozarev, Kozorev, Kozarov, Kozarevich, and Kozarova. These variations may be a result of different transliterations or adaptations of the name in various languages, such as Russian, Slovak, Hungarian, or Czech. Despite the different spellings, all these variations still retain the core surname of Kozar. In some cases, the surname may also have different prefixes or suffixes attached to it, further adding to the diversity of its spelling. Overall, the variations of the last name Kozar showcase the rich cultural diversity and linguistic influences that have shaped the surname over time.

Famous people with the last name Kozar

One of the most famous people with the last name Kozar is Karen McDougal, a model and actress who was named Playmate of the Year in 1998 by Playboy magazine. She gained widespread attention for her affair with Donald Trump in 2006, which she later detailed in an interview with CNN. Another notable Kozar is Tom Kozar, a well-known Hungarian discus thrower who competed in the 1972 Olympics in Munich. He also held the Hungarian national record for the discus throw for several years. These individuals have achieved fame and success in their respective fields, making the Kozar name recognizable in the worlds of entertainment and athletics.

Genealogical research on the last name Kozar

The surname Kozar is of Slovak origin, derived from the word "koza" which means "goat" in Slovak. The Kozar family likely originated from a family who worked as goat herders or had some connection to goats. The Kozar surname can be traced back to the medieval period in Slovakia, where individuals with this surname were documented as landowners and farmers. Over time, some branches of the Kozar family migrated to other countries such as Hungary, Austria, and the United States, where they established new roots and expanded their family lines. Today, individuals with the last name Kozar can be found all over the world, with a rich heritage linked to agriculture and land ownership in Central Europe. Researching the genealogy of the Kozar family can offer insights into the history and migration patterns of this surname.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kozar"
• 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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