Kitsman

Kitsman (Ukrainian: Кіцмань, translit. Kitsman’, Romanian: Coţmani, German: Kotzman) is a city located in the Chernivtsi Oblast of western Ukraine. It is the administrative center of Kitsman Raion, and is located at around 48°26′33″N 25°45′41″E / 48.44250°N 25.76139°E / 48.44250; 25.76139. The town is about 20 km (12.43 mi) northwest from Chernivtsi on the road to Zalishchyky.

Name

The old surname Kitzman/Kotzman (and variations thereof) originated in Jewish culture, which had gradually become more common in parts of western Ukraine. The name was occupational and derivative of Hebrew roots; shortening the phrase kohen Tsedek ("priest of righteousness"). It was widespread in the Yiddish culture, where -man was the standard suffix applied to commoners' surnames.

History

The first historical mention of Kitsman is dated to 1413, which also appears on the city's crest. Kuzmyn Forest (Codrii Cozminului), woods are situated between Siret and Prut valleys next to the town are named so, because they are traversed by the roads that connect Suceava, the Middle Ages' capital of the Principality of Moldavia, with what was then its boundary town of Cozmin / Kozmyn (modern village Valia Kuzmyna in Hlyboka Raion).