Distinguished or fortunate gokenin (immediate vassals of the shogunate in the Kamakura and Muromachi through Edo periods) among the high-ranking gokenin receiving Karoku (hereditary stipend) or their soryo (heir) were promoted to Kojunin.
江戸時代初期には、譜代席の御家人（御家人の上層部）の中で優秀な者・運の良い者（あるいはその惣領）は小十人となった。