The surname KHOSHNAW has its roots in the Kurdish region of modern-day Iraq and Iran. It is believed to have originated sometime in the 14th or 15th century, though its exact etymology is unclear. Some scholars suggest that it may be derived from the Persian words "khosh" meaning "pleasant" and "naw" meaning "name" or "fame," potentially indicating a connection to a person of good reputation or renown.

One of the earliest known references to the KHOSHNAW surname can be found in a collection of Persian poetry from the late 15th century, where a poet named Ahmed KHOSHNAW is mentioned. This suggests that the name was already in use during that period, though the details of this individual's life and background remain uncertain.

In the 17th century, there are records of a prominent Kurdish leader named Mir Mahmud KHOSHNAW, who played a significant role in the region's political and military affairs. He is said to have been a skilled strategist and diplomat, commanding respect from both his allies and rivals.

Fast-forwarding to the 19th century, a notable figure bearing the KHOSHNAW name was Haji Qadri KHOSHNAW, a Kurdish scholar and theologian who made significant contributions to the study of Islamic jurisprudence and philosophy. Born in 1817 in the village of Khoshnaw, he authored several influential works and was widely respected within the Kurdish intellectual circles of his time.

Another prominent individual with this surname was Salah KHOSHNAW, a Kurdish poet and writer who lived in the early 20th century. His works, which often celebrated Kurdish culture and identity, were widely read and admired both within and beyond the Kurdish regions.

More recently, in the latter half of the 20th century, Taha KHOSHNAW gained recognition as a Kurdish linguist and academic. He dedicated his career to preserving and promoting the Kurdish language, authoring numerous books and articles on its grammar, syntax, and evolution.

While the KHOSHNAW surname is primarily associated with the Kurdish regions of Iraq and Iran, it is also found among Kurdish communities in other parts of the world, including Turkey, Syria, and various diasporic communities abroad. However, detailed historical records and accounts of individuals bearing this name from other regions are less readily available.