Surname Costen - Meaning and Origin
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Costen: What does the surname Costen mean?
The last name Costen does not have a specific known meaning as it is likely derived from a personal name or particular place. It is a variant of the name Coston, which is Anglo-Saxon in origin and is believed to be a locational surname related to a place called Coston in Norfolk, England. This name is derived from the Old English words 'cotes,' meaning 'cottages,' and 'tun,' meaning 'settlement or enclosure,' thus potentially indicating that the original bearers of the name hailed from a settlement of cottages. As surnames can evolve over time and with migration, 'Costen' could potentially be a phonetic adaptation of 'Coston.' However, the true origins and meaning of the surname Costen remain uncertain without further historical and genealogical research. Due to surname variations and the passage of time, tracing the exact origin and meaning can be challenging.
Order DNA origin analysisCosten: Where does the name Costen come from?
The surname Costen is of English origin. Its roots can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Britain. Some believe it may be a variant of the surname "Coston" or "Costin", both surnames of Anglo-Saxon origin and derived from personal names like "Custennin" or "Constantine". The suffix "-en" or "-in" was commonly attached to names to indicate "son of". Over time, the name has experienced transformations influenced by regional dialects and hand-written records.
Today, the surname Costen is not very common anywhere in the world. According to Forebears, an online surname directory, the surname is most prevalent in the United States, particularly in the states of Georgia and Virginia. However, it is relatively rare even in these regions. There are also a few instances of the surname in England, where the name has its origins. The name has spread moderately to locations where English speakers have migrated, such as Canada and Australia, but overall it remains an infrequent surname.
Variations of the surname Costen
The surname Costen has several variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, which can be attributed to regional differences, transcription errors, linguistic qualities, and personal preference over time. Some of these include Costin, Costan, Costain, Coosten, Costan, and Coasten. The inclusion or omission of an "a", "e", or "i" in the name is a frequent variation seen in the surname.
Additionally, the surname may also have a connection with other surnames of similar origin or meaning. For instance, surnames Costello and Coster, which also have connections to the Old French "coste" meaning rib or side, might be related.
Two other probable related surnames are Kostin and Kausten, due to phonetic similarities. This is based on how surnames have evolved and been anglicised or otherwise adapted over time and in different regions.
Moreover, it could be linked to the surnames Coston, Costens, and Coster, which all have origins in the old Norman name "de Cusance". Meanwhile, a familial connection may exist with likely Irish variants such as O'Costin or McCostin. However, true lineage and connections would require genealogical research to confirm.
Famous people with the name Costen
- The name Costen is not commonly associated with many high-profile individuals or celebrities. Only a few names come up in historical or professional context.
- Mary Smith Costen: The wife of late Lieutenant Commander George Henry Costen, recognized for her work in philanthropy. She dedicated a lot of her time and resources to improving local hospital systems and educational institutions in the USA.
- Robert Louis Costen: A former American football wide receiver who played professionally in the USFL (United States Football League) and NFL (National Football League) during the 1980s.
- Thomas Henry Costen: Was an early black settler who migrated to Salt Lake City, Utah as a slave but was later freed and became a well-known businessman.
- Andrew Costen: A specialist in homeopathic medicine who, along with Peter Fisher, founded the London Homeopathic Hospital, now known as The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine. Please note that the fame and recognition of these individuals may vary depending on one's awareness and interest in specific fields like philanthropy, history, sports, or medicine.