Dictionary of Family Names in the Visegrad Countries

KOZÁK

Description available in the following languages:
Originof Czech origin
TypeFamily name referring to some connection with an ethnic group
Family name referring to the place of residence, origin or estate
Family name referring to internal or external characteristics, circumstances or event
Family name referring to an occupation, activity or social status

Description

The name is derived from the Czech common noun kozák meaning ‘goat herdsman’ and refers to an occupation. It may also be derived from the Czech common noun kozák meaning ‘brown birch bolete’; with unclear reason for naming. Alternatively, it may also be derived from the Czech ethnonym Kozák ‘Cossack’ and refer to a similarity or a connection (descendence or other) with the people or the area they inhabit. Finally, it may also be derived from the Czech toponym Kozácko ‘region in South Bohemia near Želeč’ and refer to a place of residence or origin.