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Last Name Kozel

What is the origin of the last name Kozel?

The surname "Kozel" is of Czech origin and is derived from the Czech word "kozel," meaning "billy goat." It was likely used as a nickname or descriptive surname for someone who exhibited characteristics associated with a billy goat, such as stubbornness or strength.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Kozel

The ethnicity distribution for the Kozel surname, based on data gathered from the Decennial U.S. Census, showed some changes between 2000 and 2010. The majority of individuals with this surname identified as White, making up 96.24% in 2000 and 95.56% in 2010, showing a minor decrease of 0.71%. During the same period, those identifying as Hispanic saw an increase of 25.98%, rising from 2.04% to 2.57%. Similarly, individuals identifying with two or more races increased from 0.89% to 1.03%, a change of 15.73%. On the other hand, representation of the Asian/Pacific Islander group dropped by 10.53%, moving from 0.57% to 0.51%. There were no individuals who identified as Black or American Indian and Alaskan Native in either year.

20002010Change
White96.24%95.56%-0.71%
Hispanic2.04%2.57%25.98%
Two or More Races0.89%1.03%15.73%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.57%0.51%-10.53%
Black0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kozel

The meaning and origin of the last name Kozel

The surname Kozel is of Czech origin and is derived from the word "kozel," which means "male goat" in Czech. The name is believed to have initially been used as a nickname for someone who displayed characteristics associated with a goat, such as stubbornness or agility. Over time, the name became hereditary and was passed down from generation to generation. The Kozel surname can be found in various regions with Czech populations and may also be spelled as Kozel, Kozl, Kozela, or Kozlik.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kozel

The last name Kozel is most commonly found in the Czech Republic, where it is believed to have originated. It is a Czech surname that is derived from the word "kozel," meaning goat in Czech. The name has also spread to other countries with significant Czech populations, such as Poland, Slovakia, and the United States. In these countries, individuals with the last name Kozel can be found in regions where Czech immigrants settled. Additionally, the name may also be present in countries with historical connections to Czechoslovakia, such as Austria and Germany. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Kozel reflects the migration patterns of Czech individuals and their descendants over the years.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kozel

The last name Kozel can be spelled in variations such as Kozl, Koziel, Kozlowska, and Kozlov. Other possible spellings of the surname may include Kozela, Kozelka, and Kozelnik. These variations may be seen in different regions or countries where the name originates from. Additionally, there could be further variations in spelling due to transliteration or phonetic differences in different languages. Overall, the surname Kozel can be spelled in various ways, depending on the individual's family history, geographic location, or personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Kozel

One of the most famous individuals with the last name Kozel is Jan Kozel, a Czechoslovak intelligence officer who defected to the United States during the Cold War. Another well-known figure with this surname is Peter Kozel, an award-winning Australian composer and music producer. Additionally, Eva Kozel is a renowned Czech tennis player who has achieved success on the international circuit. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have garnered recognition for their talents and achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Kozel

The surname Kozel is of Czech origin, derived from the Czech word for "goat." The Kozel family has a long history in Eastern Europe, particularly in the regions of Bohemia and Moravia. Many individuals with the last name Kozel can trace their ancestry back to these regions, where they were often peasants or farmers. Over the centuries, some members of the Kozel family may have migrated to other parts of Europe or even to the United States in search of better opportunities. Genealogical research on the Kozel surname may uncover connections to other Czech surnames, as well as other families with similar origins in Eastern Europe. The study of Kozel family history can provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions of the region in past centuries.

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 : 11 April 2025

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