Surname Cobus - Meaning and Origin
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Cobus: What does the surname Cobus mean?
The last name Cobus is derived from the Middle English and Old German words cob (meaning "dark-skinned" or "dark-haired") and hus (meaning "house"). Consequently, Cobus is believed to have started as an occupational surname used to describe someone who worked as a house steward or who served as a sort of butler for a lord in a castle or a noble household in the Middle Ages.
The word cob is also believed to have its roots in ancient Viking and Old English languages, but the origin of the word cob is unknown. It is thought to be derived from a root word that meant a “knot” or “lump,” and the term may have been used to describe a person with a dark complexion that was seen as unsightly.
The surname Cobus is found in many countries around the world, including England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. It is most commonly seen in Germany, where it originated. The Cobus name is particularly associated with the city of Strasbourg in eastern France.
Today, Cobus is still a fairly common last name. It can be found across many different cultures and ethnicities, reflecting the heritage of those who adopted the surname hundreds of years ago. The Cobus name stands in honor of the individuals who had faith in its origin, a tribute to those who've made it their own.
Order DNA origin analysisCobus: Where does the name Cobus come from?
The last name Cobus is most commonly seen today in South Africa, which is not surprising given its history. Cobus is an Afrikaans name, derived from the Dutch name "Jacobus," which translates to "James" in English. The original Dutch settlers in South Africa were known as Afrikaners and are an ethnic minority today, represented most strongly by the Boers.
In terms of demographics, Cobus is a particularly popular surname among the Afrikaner population. According to research, approximately 1 in every 1,000 Afrikaners are known to carry the Cobus surname. It is also seen sporadically in other parts of the continent, particularly in Namibia and Madagascar, both of which have Dutch colonial histories.
Cobus is also seen in other parts of the world, particularly North America, Australia, and New Zealand. This is mainly due to the more recent wave of immigration from South Africa and other parts of Africa, as well as Dutch settlers from the Netherlands.
Overall, Cobus is a very common surname in South Africa and other parts of the world due to historical Afrikaner and Dutch settlers.
Variations of the surname Cobus
Cobus is a German surname with variants in both spelling and form. Cobus is a shortened version of the original spelling “Kobus” which is a German version of the Dutch form "Kobussen". It is a patronymic name which comes from “Kobe” or “Kobbe,” an old German name meaning somebody who was short and plump, or full of life and energy. This name may also refer to someone who originally worked as a cooper, which was someone who makes and repairs barrels and other cylindrical containers made out of wood.
Cobus is also found in the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and South Africa. Variants of this surname also include Kobus, Kobussen, and Koe Hamburger, which is the Dutch spelling for the German surname, Cobus. In The Netherlands, it is often spelled “Kobusscn” or “Koehamburger”. Other spelling variations include Köbus, Coubos, Köbuss, and Köbes.
The Cobus surname is a great example of how a name can be adapted to different countries and cultures. It’s a surname that has endured for centuries, and while the spelling may vary from country to country, the meaning of the name remains the same. Whether spelled Cobus, Kobus, Kobussen, or Koe Hamburger, the original meaning will remain intact.
Famous people with the name Cobus
- Dave Cobus: well-known British comic book writer
- Bernie Cobus: French actor
- Sandra Cobus: British and Irish actress
- Jean-Pierre Cobus: Swiss-French actor
- Peter Cobus: American philanthropist and businessman
- Paul Cobus: American former professional basketball player
- Claudine Cobus: fondly known as one of South African's most celebrated actresses
- George Cobus: Brazilian-born American film producer
- Anna Cobus: Australian journalist
- Rebecca Cobus: British art curator