Surname Kocer - Meaning and Origin
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Kocer: What does the surname Kocer mean?
The surname Kocer is a hereditary name from the Czech Republic and is derived from the old Czech personal name Koc. This given name was used to refer to a barrel maker or cooper. The suffix “er” was likely added to create a family or occupational name. It is also likely related to the Czech word “kobyla,” which means “mare,” and would suggest that the early bearers of this name were associated with horses. Over time, Kocer has been subjected to various cultural influences, leading to alternate spellings including Kocher, Koker, Kocor, and Kocar.
Kocer is relatively uncommon around the world, but is especially common in Czechoslovakia. In the United States in 2020, there are roughly 400 individuals with the name and the majority of them live in the northeast, particularly in New York and Pennsylvania.
The Kocer family has contributed to society since the middle ages with the earliest record of the name being in Bohemia in 1236. Kocers are typically strong and independent individuals, excelling in a variety of fields including medicine, the military, business, and the arts. Several members of the family are known as successful people such as Leon Kocer, who was a Czechoslovakian Olympic gold medalist in sprint relay and 400 meter sprint; Valeria Kocer, French fashion designer; and Zoltan Kocer, an internationally renowned violinist.
The Kocer family has a long and rich history and continues to contribute to countless fields and professions around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisKocer: Where does the name Kocer come from?
The last name Kocer is most commonly found in Central Europe, particularly in the countries of Slovenia and Croatia, as well as parts of Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Historically, the Kocer name was associated with nobility, landowners, and high status professions such as merchants and doctors.
Today, the majority of Kocer people are still scattered throughout Central Europe. In Slovenia, erosion of the traditional aristocracy and increased mobility of the working class led to a dispersal of the Kocer family around the country and over many generations. In Croatia, the Kocer family is now found primarily in the Slavonia and Baranja regions, particularly in the towns of Pakrac and Požega.
Elsewhere in Europe, numerous Kocer households have established themselves in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France. In the United States, Kocer people are also found, mostly in large metropolitan areas such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
The Kocer last name, though diminished in its original geographic range, remains an important and active presence in many European countries and beyond. The family survives, spread between many countries and cultures, brought together by a shared history, language, and faith.
Variations of the surname Kocer
The surname Kocer is derived from a Czech word meaning "ditch" and originally referred to someone who lived near or by one. Variants of the surname can include Kochar, Kocar, Kocher and Kocarek depending on the language of origin.
Spellings of the surname can be Kohcer, Koceres, Kocerin and Kocerka in some dialects.
The surname is also widely found in Germany but goes by Koecher, Koehler, and Koeler.
In Hungary, related versions of the surname such as Koczar and Kocser have emerged with the Kosa variant specifically appearing in the region of Galicia, Austria.
In Russia, the Kochergin version appears, and in Slovakia the Kocerková variant can be found.
In the United States, spellings such as Kocer and Kocar are more common. Other versions such as Kocerka and Kocer compile more in Canada and other countries, reflecting a mix of Czech, Slovak and Germanic influences.
In terms of foreign language production of the same origin family, Italy carries the Kocher version, while Poland uses Czochrala, Kocerza and Kosek variants.
Overall, there is a fair amount of variation in the surnames of Kocer origin across the world in both spelling and language adaptation. This allows for anyone interested in tracing their family history to do so with reasonable success.
Famous people with the name Kocer
- Osman Kocer: Osman Kocer was a Turkish Muslim scholar born in 1936. He is famous for being the first rector of Isik University in Istanbul. He was also a professor of philosophy and sociology at the university.
- Jens Kocer: Jens Kocer is a Swiss composer, pianist, and conductor who was born in 1966. He is best known for his time as an international freelance conductor, as well as his works spanning multiple musical genres such as symphonic music, contemporary music, jazz, and folk music.
- Emine Kocer: Emine Kocer is a Turkish athlete who won a silver medal in the women's 4x400 metres relay event at the 2005 Mediterranean Games. She was also selected as the flagbearer for the same event at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
- Emilio Kocer: Emilio Kocer was a Dominican who was elected to the Dominican House of representatives in 1962. He was also a professor of Political Science at Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra.
- Aysegul Kocer: Aysegul Kocer is a Turkish actress born in 1992. She is best known for her roles in several popular Turkish television series, such as Kuurtlar Vadisi and Cukur.
- John Kocer: John Kocer is an American politician who served as the mayor of North Liberty, Iowa from 1997-2003. He is currently a member of the North Liberty City Council.