Surname Kosellek - Meaning and Origin

Kosellek: What does the surname Kosellek mean?

The last name Kosellek is a German-Jewish surname, often associated with people of Ashkenazi heritage. The name is derived from the Middle High German "kosen," which translates to "choose," and "leke," which translates to "joy" or "play." Essentially, it means "to choose joyfully."

The last name was likely created as a reference to those who chose to stay Jewish or follow that particular faith despite persecution. It is seen as an act of defiance and strength to embrace a religion that stands out from the status quo. Those who chose joyfully and held firm in their convictions likely wanted to pass on that message.

The surname also could be indicative of ancestry in the city of Kosebsk, which is now called Mariupol in Ukraine. The city was once located in the Ukraine-Russia-Poland triangle and changed hands numerous times throughout history.

Kosellek is a surname that speaks to the strength of resolve and the need for joy in dark times. It is a reminder of those who have had to stand up against persecution, as well as a testament to the diverse history and heritage of its bearers. It also serves as a reminder that faith and joy can be chosen more than lived with, and can be a source of hope and strength.

Kosellek: Where does the name Kosellek come from?

The last name Kosellek is most commonly found in Turkey today, as well as in the Balkans and Central Europe. In Turkey, the name is spelled “Köselek”, which originated from the Greek word “Koselek”.

Kosellek is usually associated with the city of Manisa in western Turkey, but is also found in small numbers in Istanbul and other Turkish cities. It is believed that the Kosellek family originated from Manisa, before migrating throughout the Balkan countries and parts of Central Europe.

In the Balkans, the name is commonly found in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Bulgaria and Slovenia - countries which were all once part of the Ottoman Empire. In Central Europe, the name is common in areas like Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Overall, Kosellek has been found in 11 countries in Europe - Turkey, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic and Greece, as well as in other parts of the world. The Kosellek name has always been known for its strong ties to the Ottoman Empire, and it continues to be an important part of the family history of many people today.

Variations of the surname Kosellek

Kosellek is an uncommon surname of German origin. It is believed to have been derived from a diminutive of the personal name "Kosmo", which in turn was derived from the Latin word "cosmos". The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Kosellek include Koeselleck, Koesellek, Koeslinek, Koeslingk, Kosellk, Koessellek, Koeselick, Koesllek, Koseleck, Koselick, Koselleke, Kosellick, Kosellek, Koselleck, and Koselnik.

The earliest record of the Kosellek surname dates as far back as the 1700s, when Johann Adam Kosellek of Grimmenstein, located in the Wurttemberg region of Germany, was documented. Since then, the Kosellek surname has been spread around Europe due to immigration and emigration. However, it is believed that the most common and widespread variants of the name are located primarily in Germany, Austria, Poland, Russia, and the Czech Republic.

Kosellek is also thought to have originated in parts of Jewish culture and as such, a Jewish surname of similar form is called Koselig. The variants and spellings of this surname are Koselig, Koselige, Kosselig, Kosseligje, Kosselik, Kosselike and Kosselige.

The Kosellek surname is still relatively rare today and there are not many people who can trace their lineage back to this name. However, with the help of documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, baptismal records, and military records it is possible to trace the origins and prevalence of this surname. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Kosellek are essential components when attempting to trace the heritage and family tree of those who have this uncommon surname.

Famous people with the name Kosellek

• Ben Kosellek: Former professional lacrosse player and current lacrosse coach.
• Richard Kosellek: Icelandic actor and director.
• Martin Kosellek: Czech-German architect and author.
• Ane Kosellek: Norwegian jazz musician.
• Monte Kosellek: Former professional basketball player and coach.
• Kostya Kosellek: Ukrainian football player and coach.
• Dave Kosellek: American professional wrestler.
• Kellen Kosellek: American musician and songwriter.
• Amber Kosellek: Scottish TV and radio presenter.
• Beto Kosellek: Brazilian drag queen, singer, and actor.

Other surnames

Koselleck