How common is the KOSTER surname?

There are approximately 8,000 people with the surname KOSTER in the United States.

Are there KOSTER soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 69 soldiers with the KOSTER surname appear in Civil War records.

KOSTER

Q: What does the surname KOSTER mean?

The surname KOSTER means "A sexton, church caretaker, or one who maintains a church building.". It is of Dutch/German origin.

Occupational

Meaning

A sexton, church caretaker, or one who maintains a church building.

Etymology

Derived from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German 'koster', referring to a church official responsible for maintaining the building and grounds. The term comes from Latin 'custos' (guardian).

About the KOSTER Surname

An occupational surname denoting a church sexton or caretaker in medieval Low Countries and German regions. The name reflects ecclesiastical administrative roles.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 8,000 bearers in the United States #1,263 most common surname

Rare Common

Common in the Netherlands, northern Germany, and Dutch-American communities.

KOSTER Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the KOSTER Surname

Frederick Jacob Koster

MFG. OF SAN FRANCISCO

Quick Facts

Origin: Dutch/German
Classification: Occupational
Earliest Record: 15th century, Low Countries and northern Germany
Estimated Bearers: 8,000

War Records

69 soldiers with the KOSTER surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →