Last Name Kozlovsky

The surname Kozlovsky is of Slavic origin and has its roots in several Eastern European countries, primarily Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland. The name is derived from the word "kozel" or "kozioł" meaning goat in Russian and Polish, respectively. It was often used as an occupational surname for a person who owned or tended to goats. Additionally, it may also have been used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a place where goats were kept, or even a nickname for someone with certain characteristics reminiscent of a goat, such as being agile or stubborn.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kozlovsky

The meaning and origin of the last name Kozlovsky

The surname Kozlovsky is of Slavic origin, specifically Russian, with roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. It derives from the diminutive form of 'Kozel', which means 'goat' or 'billy-goat' in Russian. Over time, the name evolved to become a common patronymic surname, indicating descent from a person named Kozma, a variant of Kosma, a traditional Slavic given name derived from the Greek Kosmas, meaning 'he who is from Cos'. The surname Kozlovsky spread throughout Eastern Europe as Russian and Ukrainian settlers migrated. Today, it remains a common surname in Russia, Ukraine, and other Slavic countries, reflecting its rich historical roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kozlovsky

The surname Kozlovsky has a significant presence in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Ukraine, due to its Slavic origins. Historically, it is a patronymic derived from the male given name Kozma (Cosmas), meaning "from Kosma," a village or region named after a bear or boar. However, variations of the surname, such as Kozlowski, Kozlowsky, and Czelusniak (Polish variant), are also found in Poland and other Slavic countries due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges. In recent times, individuals with the Kozlovsky name can be found in diaspora communities around the world, reflecting global migration patterns over the past century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kozlovsky

The surname Kozlovsky has several variants and spellings due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional dialects over time. Here are some common variations:

1. Koslowski - A Polish variant of the Russian name.
2. Koslowsky - Another variation, often used by those of Jewish descent.
3. Kozlowski - The most common spelling, representing the original Russian form.
4. Cosslowski - A less common variation with a slight change in spelling.
5. Kozlowskyj - A Ukrainian variation that includes the possessive suffix "-yj" which is added to many surnames in Ukrainian.
6. Koslowskyi - Another Ukrainian variant, using the modern Ukrainian orthography.
7. Cosslowsky - A less common spelling with a slight change in spelling compared to Kozlovsky.
8. Kozlowske - A rare variation that appears to be a mis-transcription or misspelling of Kozlovsky.
9. Koslowskaja (female) - The female equivalent of the surname, with the addition of the Russian feminine diminutive suffix "-a".
10. Koslowska (female) - A Polish variant of the female version of the name.

Famous people with the last name Kozlovsky

Notable individuals with the surname Kozlovsky include:

1. Vladimir Kozlovsky (1928-2006), a Russian actor known for his role in the films "Ballad of a Soldier" and "The Cranes Are Flying."

2. Boris Kozlovsky (born 1945), a British-Israeli theoretical physicist, professor at Tel Aviv University, and former Rector of Bar-Ilan University.

3. Alexander Kozlovsky (1897-1980), a Russian composer and conductor who was the principal conductor of the Bolshoi Theatre from 1936 to 1940.

4. Eugene Kozlovsky (1925-2014), an American mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of operator theory and Banach algebras.

5. Sergei Kozlovsky (born 1938), a Russian writer and journalist, best known for his works "The Last Trial" and "The Trial Begins."

These individuals have made notable contributions in various fields such as acting, physics, music, and literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Kozlovsky

The surname Kozlovsky is of Slavic origin, derived from the Russian and Ukrainian word "kozel," meaning goat or goat herder. Variations of this name include Koslowski, Kosslowski, Koszlowski, Kozlowski, and others. The earliest recorded instances of this surname can be traced back to medieval Russia and Eastern Europe. Notable figures with the surname Kozlovsky include Yakov Kozlovsky, a prominent Russian composer and conductor in the early 20th century, and Alexander Kozlovsky, an American violinist who was a child prodigy. The distribution of the name today is primarily in Eastern Europe, Russia, and the United States, with significant populations also found in Israel due to immigration from Eastern Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kozlovsky"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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