Koch Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Koch come from? What does the surname Koch mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Koch and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Koch Origin: What does the last name Koch mean?
The surname Koch is of German origin and means "cook" or "chef." It first appears in records in early 15th century Germany, indicating its strong ties to the region. Over time, the surname Koch spread to the United States, with a significant presence in the 18th century. Today, the Koch surname can be found in many countries worldwide, with the United States having the highest frequency of individuals with this surname according to YourRoots data.
YourRoots data confirms the historical presence of the Koch surname in Germany and its subsequent spread to the United States. The surname has also been documented in various countries like India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, and more, showcasing its global reach. The surname Koch signifies a culinary heritage and has evolved over centuries, continuing to be part of diverse cultures and regions in the contemporary world.
Koch Last Name History: Where did the last name Koch come from?
Origin of Koch Surname: Where does the last name Koch originate from?
The surname Koch first appears in YourRoots records in early 15th century Germany. This earliest record suggests that the surname Koch originated from this region. However, it's important to note that this only reflects the data captured in YourRoots for the spelling "Koch" and does not include variations of the surname or information from other sources.
History of the Last Name Koch: How did the Koch surname history evolve over time?
The Koch surname is strongly tied to Germany from the 15th to 17th century, as per YourRoots data. The data suggests a significant presence in Germany during these centuries, indicating the probable beginnings of the surname's spread. In the 18th century, the surname Koch begins to appear more frequently in the United States indicating a shift in the distribution of this surname over time.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Koch surname today?
By the 19th century, the frequency of records with the Koch surname surged in the United States, overtaking Germany. This trend continued into the 20th century, suggesting a significant movement of people with the Koch surname to the United States during this period. Today, the Koch surname can be found in many countries worldwide, with the highest frequency in the United States, as per the 20th and 21st century YourRoots records.
Explore Koch last name heritage and Koch surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Koch Surame?
Charles Koch
Charles de Ganahl Koch (November 1, 1935) is an American billionaire businessman and engineer. He is the co-owner, chairman, and CEO of Koch Industries, the largest privately held company in the U.S. Koch, along with his late brother David, inherited the business from their father and expanded it into a conglomerate. Known for his libertarian views, Koch supports various think tanks and organizations. He has published books on his business philosophy and is a significant funder of political and charitable causes. Koch's dedication to free market principles and limited government intervention has shaped his career and influence in American business and politics.
David Koch
David Hamilton Koch (May 3, 1940 – August 23, 2019) was an American businessman, political activist, and philanthropist. He was a co-owner of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S., and served as its executive vice president. Koch was known for his libertarian views and involvement in politics, including running as the Libertarian Party's vice-presidential candidate in 1980. He was a major donor to advocacy groups and political campaigns, primarily supporting Republican causes. Koch also made significant contributions to cultural institutions like the Lincoln Center and the American Museum of Natural History.
Ilse Koch
Ilse Koch (22 Sep 1906 – 1 Sep 1967) was a German woman who gained infamy for her alleged atrocities during World War II. As the wife of Buchenwald concentration camp commandant Karl-Otto Koch, she was accused of selecting tattooed prisoners for death to create items from their skin. Despite the sensationalized claims, two legal processes found little evidence to support the accusations. Known as "The Witch of Buchenwald", she died by suicide in prison at age 60. The controversy surrounding her actions and legacy continues to spark debate and discussion to this day.
Cooper Koch
Cooper Joseph Koch (born July 16, 1996) is an American actor known for his role as Erik Menendez in the series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. He has also appeared in films like They/Them and Swallowed. Koch comes from a family with ties to the film industry, with relatives in producing, directing, and entertainment law. He has received critical acclaim for his performances and has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award. Aside from acting, Koch has worked with various fashion brands and has spoken openly about his struggles as a gay actor in the industry.
Ed Koch
Edward Irving Koch (December 12, 1924 – February 1, 2013) was an American politician who served as the mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989. A lifelong Democrat known for his "liberal with sanity" approach, Koch was the second Jewish mayor of New York City. He implemented public housing renewal programs and famously greeted citizens with "How'm I doin'?" Koch was also a supporter of Israel and crossed party lines to endorse various political figures. Despite facing scandals and racial tensions during his tenure, Koch remains a prominent figure in New York City's political history.
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