Surname Cooper - Meaning and Origin

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The iGENEA DNA test peeled back layers of my known ancestry, unearthing an unexpected Celtic lineage and a taste of Iberian influences. These revelations are already redefining my understanding of my surname, Cooper, and the depth of my family’s heritage. What I have learned through this technological exploration into my DNA has illuminated my past and reshaped my present sense of identity.

W. Cooper

Cooper: What does the surname Cooper mean?

The last name Cooper is of English origin, and it carries a professional or occupational significance. Specifically, it refers to a barrel maker or a person who repairs casks, barrels, and other wooden, staved containers. The word Cooper is derived from the Middle English term 'couper,' which itself comes from the Middle Dutch word 'kuiper.' The profession was historically significant and was dedicated to the creation and repair of barrels, buckets, tubs, butter churns, hogsheads and other similar containers, which played a crucial role in storage and transportation of goods in medieval times. Sometimes the name could also be given to a person who used such containers in his trade. Being an occupational name, it became a surname for people who were associated with the trade. Notably, it is among the most common surnames in English speaking countries.

Cooper: Where does the name Cooper come from?

The surname Cooper is of English origin, derived from the trade of its original bearers. Derived from the Middle English term "couper," it refers to a barrel maker or a person who makes wooden vessels. The occupation was crucial in the medieval times when storage and transport largely depended on casks and barrels.

Today, the surname Cooper is prevalent in English-speaking countries. According to Forebears, it is the 32nd most common surname in England. People with this surname are primarily found in immense numbers in the United States, with a significant presence in the United Kingdom and Australia. The name is also somewhat common in Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.

In the United States, the surname is particularly concentrated in the states of Texas, California, Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In England, Cooper is mostly found in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and London. There is also a minor concentration of Coopers in Jamaica.

Variations of the surname Cooper

The surname Cooper is of English origin, deriving from the trade of a cooper, or a barrel maker. As such, it has various spellings and variants which have evolved over time and across different geographical locations. Some of the most common alternate spellings of Cooper include Couper, Cowper, and Cuper. Certain lineages have the name appearing as Coopersmith. It should be noted that similar trade-based surnames accorded to the barrel-making profession in different regions and languages can be mistaken as variants of Cooper, such as the German Küfer or Dutch Kuiper.

Furthermore, Cooperson, Cooperman, and Coop are some of the patronymic forms of the name that insinuate a direct descendent of a cooper. Surnames such as Hooper and Hoopman, which relate to a specific part of barrel making (the hoop), have distinct origins but often get associated with Cooper due to the shared connection with barrel making. It's important to recognize that not all variants can indicate the same origin, as genealogical research, family records, and historical documents must be studied to ascertain the exact lineage.

Famous people with the name Cooper

• Anderson Cooper: Renowned journalist and correspondent for CNN.
• Alice Cooper: Rock and roll icon known for his shocking stage performances.
• Bradley Cooper: Hollywood actor famous for roles in films like "American Sniper" and "A Star is Born".
• Gary Cooper: An iconic figure in Hollywood during the 40s and 50s.
• Dominic Cooper: Known for his performances in "Mamma Mia!" and "Captain America: The First Avenger".
• Samuel Cooper: A famous American painter in the 18th century.
• Tommy Cooper: A beloved British comedian and magician.
• Cynthia Cooper-Dyke: Former professional women’s basketball player.
• Chris Cooper: An actor known for his work in films like "Adaptation" and "American Beauty".
• Gordon Cooper: A NASA astronaut who flew in both Mercury and Gemini missions.
• Jackie Cooper: Former child actor who starred in the "Our Gang" comedies.
• Chuck Cooper: Legendary basketball player, the first African American drafted by an NBA team.
• Leon Cooper: Distinguished physicist who co-developed the BCS theory of superconductivity.
• John Sherman Cooper: A U.S Senator and diplomat from Kentucky.
• Susan Cooper: Award-winning British children’s fantasy writer.

Other surnames

Cooperwood