Kotkas

Kotkas is a surname of Baltic origin, most commonly found in Estonia and Latvia. Etymology and usage: The name is believed to derive from a Baltic root associated with birds, and in some naming traditions may have originated as a nickname or totemic identifier linked to birds of prey. The form Kotkas appears in historical records dating to the 18th and 19th centuries in regions that are now part of Estonia and Latvia.

Geographic distribution: Today Kotkas remains relatively uncommon. The majority of bearers are in Estonia, with Latvia and Lithuania also reporting occurrences, and smaller communities among Baltic diaspora populations in other parts of Europe and North America.

Notable people: The surname Kotkas is borne by individuals who have contributed to various fields in the Baltic region, including sports, science, and culture. While not widely known on an international scale, bearers have been active in local and regional communities.

Variants and related names: Kotkas is part of a broader set of Baltic surnames that feature animal-related elements. Variants or cognates may be found in neighboring languages, reflecting shared linguistic and cultural heritage in the region.

See also: Kotka, a related term in Finnish and Estonian onomastics, though it is distinct from the surname Kotkas.