Surname Cozzens - Meaning and Origin
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Cozzens: What does the surname Cozzens mean?
The surname Cozzens is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the personal name "Cousin," or from the Anglo-Norman French word "cousin," which was commonly used as a nickname, meaning ‘relative’. It is a patronymic surname, which means that it was often given to the son of a person named Cousin. It has been around since the early medieval period, around the 12th century, in England.
However, like many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation have often changed over centuries, and it can be found in different forms like Cosyn, Cossins, Cossens, Cozens, and Cousins, among others.
This surname is prevalent in the United States, England, and Australia. Famous people with the surname Cozzens include American novelist James Gould Cozzens.
Please note that the exact origin and meaning could be different, this is one of the most accepted interpretations. The meaning of a surname can depend on the family and its history, and thus it could have different meanings and origins for different families.
It should be noted that meanings of surnames are often speculative and should not be taken as a definitive meaning, as they usually signify an association with a certain trait or occupation of the initial bearer.
Order DNA origin analysisCozzens: Where does the name Cozzens come from?
The surname Cozzens is believed to have originated from the Netherlands, with variations like Cozzen, Cozijn, Cozyn, and Cossens. The name originally might have been patronymic, denoting "son of Jacob," as "Coz" was an old diminutive for Jacob. Over time, the surname was anglicized into the present form - Cozzens.
In terms of its prevalence today, the surname Cozzens is most commonly found in the United States of America. It appears in several states across the country with a higher concentration in Utah, New Hampshire, and New York. While the name is not exceedingly common, it still boasts a fair number of bearers. The name also appears in the United Kingdom and Australia, albeit with less frequency when compared to the United States. The spread of the name outside of its origin country can likely be attributed to patterns of immigration and diaspora over the centuries. As with many surnames, the distribution of Cozzens can provide a unique insight into the historical movements and settlements of people bearing this name.
Variations of the surname Cozzens
The surname Cozzens, of English origin, traces its roots back to medieval England where it was first recognized. Many variations of this surname have emerged over time due to things such as dialect, translation errors, changes in spelling rules, and more.
Common variants and spellings of the surname Cozzens include Cousins, Couzins, Cozen, and Cuzzens. The variant "Cousins" is particularly wide-spread. It has been traced to England where it was first used in the 12th century.
Additionally, the name's origin leads to similar surnames such as Cozen, Cousens, Cozens, and Cossens. In some cases, the surname may also appear as Cosens or even Cosyns. There may also be other less-known variations of the name.
Considering its etymology, the surname Cozzens comes from the Old French 'cousin', which itself comes from the Latin 'consobrinus'. This indicates that the variations of the name could also be found in surnames influenced by these languages. Hence, it's important to remember that variations in surnames can be influenced by the geographical location and history of the family.
Famous people with the name Cozzens
- James Gould Cozzens: An American novelist and author, best known for his novels "Guard of Honor," "By Love Possessed," and "The Just and the Unjust." He won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1949.
- Peter Cozzens: A retired United States Foreign Service Officer and author who has written extensively on the American Civil War and American Indian Wars. Some of his well-known books include "The Earth is Weeping: The Indian Wars for the American West, 1866-1891" and "Shenandoah 1862: Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign."
- Sarah Cozzens: A famous American actress known for her performances in films like "Confessions of a Junior High School Counselor," "A Carol Christmas," and "Ringmaster."
- Frederick Swartwout Cozzens: An American humorist and writer, often compared to Charles Dickens due to his detailed descriptions and characterizations. His most popular works include "Sparrowgrass Papers" and "Acadia."
- Robert Cozzens: A renowned science-fiction author recognized for his work in radio and television, including the acclaimed series Star Trek: The Next Generation. His popular novels include "Chamber of Centuries" and "The Night Watch."
- Charles Cozzens: A notable American scholar recognized for his contributions to the field of mathematics. He was awarded the prestigious Cole Prize for Number Theory.