The name is derived from the Polish ethnonym Kozak meaning ‘Cossack, inhabitant of former Ukraine', and refers to a similarity to or a connection (descendence or other) with the people or the area they inhabit. It may also come from the Polish common noun kozak meaning ‘a swashbuckler', and refer to a characteristic feature (e.g. behaviour). In the case of another meaning of the word kozak (‘goat herder'), it may refer to an occupation or activity. Variant: Kozok.