All about the name

Cosby

Male

« Cosby is an English name of Old Norse origin, derived from 'Kosi' meaning generous or bountiful. It's associated with the medieval English village Cosby in Leicestershire. »

#12275 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Cosby is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls in recent years. It is derived from the Old Norse given name Kosi, which means "generous" or "bountiful." This name was brought to England by Viking settlers and became popular during the Middle Ages. The name Cosby has a long history of use in England. One of the earliest recorded uses of the name was in the 13th century, when a man named Cosby was listed as a witness in a deed in Worcestershire, England. Throughout the centuries, the name has been passed down through generations and has been used by various families throughout England. Cosby is also associated with the village of Cosby in Leicestershire, England. The village is believed to have derived its name from the Old Norse personal name Kosi or a variant form of it. The village was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded as "Cossebi." Today, Cosby remains a popular given name in England and other English-speaking countries around the world. It is often associated with generosity, kindness, and bountifulness due to its meaning. Despite its Old Norse origins, the name has been anglicized over time and is now considered an English name. In literature and pop culture, Cosby has been used as a character name in various works. For example, it was the surname of the main character in the American television sitcom "The Cosby Show," which aired from 1984 to 1992. However, this usage is not related to the origin or meaning of the name itself. Overall, Cosby is a unique and historical given name with Old Norse roots that has been used throughout England for centuries. Its meaning of generosity and bountifulness makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a meaningful name for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Cosby since 1880

Total births
212
Total since 1880
Peak year
1917
12 births
in 1975
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years