Last Name Kuza

The last name "Kuza" is of African origin. It is a Bantu name that is commonly found among the people of Zimbabwe and Zambia. In the Shona language, "kuzwa" means "to plant." The surname may have been given to someone who was involved in farming or cultivation. However, without specific information about the individual's family history, it is impossible to provide a definitive origin for the name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kuza

The meaning and origin of the last name Kuza

The surname Kuza is primarily of African origin, particularly among the Bantu-speaking communities in Southern Africa, notably in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia. The name Kuza is believed to have derived from several Bantu languages, such as Shona (Kuziva) or Ndebele (Kushunga), which translate to 'hunter' or 'one who prepares traps'. As a hunter played a crucial role in the early African societies for food provision and survival, the surname Kuza may have been given to individuals excelling in hunting or having a lineage of skilled hunters. Over time, due to migration and cultural assimilation, the name has spread beyond its original region.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kuza

The surname Kuza has a significant presence in several African countries, particularly those in Southern and Eastern Africa. In Zimbabwe, it is one of the top 100 most common surnames, reflecting its historical roots in that region. It is also found in high concentrations in neighboring countries like Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique, where it is often associated with the Bantu-speaking peoples. Additionally, the Kuza surname can be traced among communities in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, suggesting a shared ancestry or migration patterns within East Africa. However, the geographical distribution of the Kuza surname is not exclusive to Africa; it can also be found among African diaspora communities in various parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kuza

The surname Kuza has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. These include Kusa, Kuzo, Cusa, Kouza, Kozza, and Kazza. The spelling can also be influenced by the native language of the bearer; for example, in Polish, it may be pronounced and written as Kuża or Kużyk. In some cases, the name may have been Anglicized from a similar-sounding foreign surname. Additionally, over time and through migration, the spelling can evolve due to differences in pronunciation, transcription errors, and assimilation into local linguistic norms. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily imply a relationship between individuals bearing different spellings of the name Kuza.

Famous people with the last name Kuza

Notable individuals with the surname Kuza include:

1. Mugove KaKuriri Kuzeyama (b. 1983), a Japanese-Zimbabwean comedian, actor, and musician who is best known for his appearances on various Japanese variety shows.

2. Peter Kuza (b. 1940), a Slovak violinist and conductor, who served as the artistic director of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra from 1987 to 1996. He also held positions with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra.

3. Stanisław Kuźma (1896-1940), a Polish Army officer who was posthumously awarded the Virtuti Militari, Poland's highest military decoration for bravery, for his actions during the Invasion of Poland in World War II.

4. Jacek Kuźmiński (b. 1973), a Polish footballer who played as a goalkeeper and is currently the head coach of Polish club Warta Poznań. He also represented the Poland national team in the late 1990s.

5. Tomáš Kužel (b. 1986), a Slovak football midfielder who has played for various clubs in Slovakia, Hungary, and Spain, including MFK Košice and FC Groningen. He also represented the Slovakia national team at the under-21 level.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, encompassing music, comedy, military service, coaching, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Kuza

The Kuza surname is predominantly found among Eastern European populations, particularly those from Poland and Ukraine. Historical records suggest that the name originated from the Old Slavic word "kuza," meaning goose or goosedown. In medieval times, a family who raised geese for food and materials would adopt this occupation-based surname.

The earliest recorded instance of the Kuza surname is in 16th century Poland, where a certain Jan Kuz was documented as a town resident in 1540. Over time, the name spread to neighboring regions and countries as people migrated due to political instability or economic opportunities.

In modern times, significant populations of individuals bearing the Kuza surname can be found in Poland, Ukraine, the United States, Canada, Australia, and other Western nations where Polish and Ukrainian immigrants have settled. Genealogical research can uncover fascinating tales of migration, survival, and assimilation among families carrying this name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kuza"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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