Koch

The surname Koch is of German origin. It derives from the Middle High German word "coc" or "coch," which means "cook." As such, the surname Koch is an occupational name, originally bestowed upon individuals who worked as cooks or chefs.

Distribution:

The surname Koch is relatively common in Germany and its neighbouring countries. However, it is also found among a small number of families in the United Kingdom, where it has been adopted by descendants of German immigrants.

Notable Individuals:

  • Ed Koch (1924-2013): A prominent American politician who served as the Mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989.
  • Bill Koch (born 1955): An American businessman and sailor known for winning the America's Cup in 1992.

Variants:

Variants of the surname Koch include Cooke, Kocher, Coc, and Kochs.

Coat of Arms:

The Koch family crest features a shield divided into four sections. The top left section displays a black cross, the top right section features three red roses, the bottom left section shows a silver tree, and the bottom right section displays a gold lion.

References:

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Cottle, B. (1983). The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Penguin Books.

In conclusion, the surname Koch is a German occupational name that has found its way into British genealogy through migration and mingling of cultures.

There are approximately 972 people named Koch in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,536th most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Koch.

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: Germany

Language of origin: German

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • Daniel
  • David
  • Howard
  • Mark
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Andrea
  • Beatriz
  • Claudia
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Louise
  • Maria
  • Mary
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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