Surname Cossor - Meaning and Origin
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Cossor: What does the surname Cossor mean?
The last name Cossor is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English pre-7th century term meaning "whispered". It is thought that the surname was a nickname for someone known for their secretive, whispering manner. This surname was widespread in England since at least the 13th century, when records of the name begin to appear.
In earlier records, the name was often spelt differently, including Cussor, Kisser, and Custer. Cossor is currently most common in England, particularly in the East Midlands. Other variants of the surname can be found in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, due to emigration.
The name can also be seen with different prefixes and suffixes. For example, the surname could be found spelled with a double s as Cosssor, Cossoor, or Cosser, while the ending can be switched to Cossard or Cossardetc.
Today, the Cossor family still carries the characteristic of appearing to be mysterious and quiet. The name may also have evolved over time to indicate a person who was skillful in effecting whispered secret negotiations or leading a campaign through behind-the-scenes tactics.
Order DNA origin analysisCossor: Where does the name Cossor come from?
The last name Cossor is an English surname originating from Yorkshire. Despite its relatively uncommon status, Cossor is still a popular surname across England, especially in Yorkshire, as well as parts of Scotland and Wales.
Cossor has a unique etymology and is derived from the Biblical 'Abyss' (meaning 'bottomless') and the name of the village of 'Cossor' in Yorkshire. While it is unclear when Cossor was first adopted as a surname, records indicate that there were Cossor families living in Yorkshire as early as the 17th century.
There is a strong presence of Cossor families throughout the 21st century, with the most recent recorded populations residing mostly in Yorkshire, with some smaller families also spread across the borders in Scotland and Wales. There are also some Cossors, particularly in Yorkshire, who are descended from early Irish immigrants.
In today's society, some Cossors are still primarily associated with Yorkshire, but the name now has a much wider reach throughout England and across the United Kingdom and even to other countries, indicating its increasing popularity over the centuries. While the surname is still relatively rare, it is possible to find Cossor families across the length and breadth of England and beyond.
Variations of the surname Cossor
The surname Cossor is of English origin. Variants of the surname Cossor include: Cosser, Cossar, Casor, Cossier, Casar, Casaire, and Casseur.
Cossor is a habitational name from a place named Cossor, in Oxfordshire. The surname Cossor is derived from an Old English word meaning 'stagnant pool', or 'marsh.' Before the Norman Conquest of 1066, Habitational surnames were derived from locations where people lived or held land.
In certain instances, Cossor has been known to have a French origin. Variants of the French form of the surname Cossor are Casses, Casseur, and Casse. These spellings are derived from the Old French word ‘casser’ meaning ‘to break’. Those who bore the French variations of Cossor traditionally found their origin in Normandy, France.
The variants and spellings of the surname Cossor are seen to be the result of both English and French origins. As Cossor is derived from a place name, the varying spellings and forms are subject to regional dialect and interpretation. Therefore, many individuals of the same origin may carry slight differences in the spelling of the surname Cossor.
Famous people with the name Cossor
- Mary Cossor: English composer during the late 19th and early 20th century.
- Gordon Cossor: English actor who appeared in some variety shows and TV sitcoms in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Alec Cossor: English architect and antiquarian, noted for his works in London in the late 18th and 19th centuries.
- Julian Cossor: British conductor and composer, known for his contemporary classical music.
- Edward Cossor: English engineer, best known for his work on steam engines in the mid-19th century.
- Alice Cossor: British film actress in the 1940s, known for her roles in films such as Starlight and Chimes.
- Adam Cossor: English businessman in the early 20th century, best known for founding the Cossor & Co. electrical engineering company.
- Alfred Cossor: English electrical engineer and inventor in the late 19th century, known for his invention of the stoppering amplifier.
- Mark Cossor: Professional ice hockey player, played for various teams in the United Kingdom in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Stephen Cossor: Television and theatre composer, wrote musical scores for television shows and films during the 1960s and 1970s.