Find out how popular the first name Kojak has been for the last 2 years (from 1974 to 1975) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kojak by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Kojak is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1975, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kojak.

The history of the first name Kojak

The given name Kojak traces its origins to the Armenian language and culture, with its earliest recorded usage dating back to the 5th century AD. The name is derived from the Armenian word "koj," meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker," suggesting a connection to the metalworking trade that was prevalent in ancient Armenian societies.

In the early medieval period, Kojak emerged as a popular name among Armenian communities, particularly in the regions of historical Armenia, modern-day Turkey, and parts of the Caucasus. Its popularity can be attributed to the reverence for skilled craftsmen and the metalworking tradition that played a significant role in Armenian culture.

The earliest known historical figure bearing the name Kojak was an Armenian blacksmith and metalworker who lived in the city of Ani, the former capital of the Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia, in the 10th century. While little is known about his life, his craftsmanship and the quality of his work were widely renowned during that era.

Another notable figure named Kojak was a 12th-century Armenian architect and engineer who oversaw the construction of several churches and fortifications in the Kingdom of Cilician Armenia, a state established by Armenian rulers in the Levant region. His architectural works, such as the Cathedral of Ani and the Monastery of Haghbat, are celebrated as masterpieces of medieval Armenian architecture.

In the 15th century, a renowned Armenian scholar and theologian named Kojak Nakhichevan, born in the city of Nakhichevan (present-day Azerbaijan), made significant contributions to the preservation and study of Armenian literature and religious texts. His works played a crucial role in the cultural and intellectual revival of the Armenian people during that period.

During the 17th century, an Armenian merchant and trader named Kojak Kharpertsi, from the city of Kharpert (modern-day Elazig, Turkey), gained prominence for his extensive trade networks and business acumen. He established trade routes connecting Armenian communities across the Ottoman Empire, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas.

In more recent times, the name Kojak gained widespread recognition through the popular American television series "Kojak," which aired from 1973 to 1978. The show's protagonist, Lieutenant Theo Kojak, portrayed by actor Telly Savalas, became an iconic figure in pop culture, further popularizing the name outside of its Armenian origins.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kojak was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kojak, please contact us.

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