Where did the baby name Cozell come from in 1983?

College basketball player Cozell McQueen
Cozell McQueen

The rare name Cozell was a one-hit wonder in the U.S. baby name data in 1983:

  • 1985: unlisted
  • 1984: unlisted
  • 1983: 6 baby boys named Cozell [debut]
  • 1982: unlisted
  • 1981: unlisted

Where did it come from?

College basketball player Cozell (pronounced coh-ZEHL) McQueen.

He was a sophomore playing for N.C. State the year the team unexpectedly won the 1983 NCAA Tournament.

The N.C. State Wolfpack beat #1 seeded Virginia on its way to the Final Four, then Georgia in the semifinals, and finally Houston — a team that included future superstars Akeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler — in the championship game.

They wouldn’t have had the chance to win, though, had Cozell McQueen not been a crucial part of the first-round, double-overtime win against Pepperdine.

Cozell was also the player who, following the final win, stood atop one of the rims and held up a “Pack Power” sign in celebration.

What are your thoughts on the name Cozell?

Sources:

Image: Cozell McQueen trading card

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