Surname Couper - Meaning and Origin
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Couper: What does the surname Couper mean?
The surname Couper is of Scottish origin and is derived from the occupation of a cooper, one who made wooden barrels, casks, and other storage vessels. The term 'cooper' is derived from the Middle Dutch 'cuper' or 'kuiper'. The spelling 'Couper' specifically stems from eastern Scotland, namely from the former royal burgh of Coupar Angus. It is possible that some families with this surname originally lived in this area, hence the adaptation of the place name. Some variations of the surname include Cooper, Cowper, and Copper. Like many surnames that originated from a person's occupation, the last name Couper indicated the family trade. Over time, as the need for the specific trade diminished or changed, the surname continued to be passed down through generations as an identifier of ancestry and lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisCouper: Where does the name Couper come from?
The surname Couper is of Scottish origin, deriving from the occupation of a cup or cask maker, traditionally known as a 'couper' in Scotland. The first known usage of this surname was found in Fife, where the Couper family held a family seat from ancient times. The name has also been spelled Cooper, Cowper, Copper and others. As the English language evolved in the Middle Ages, the spelling of names became less associated with the occupation of the name holder, leading to variations.
Today, the surname is scattered around the world due to the migration of Scottish people in the past centuries. Countries where the Couper surname is common include Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, and England. However, considering its Scottish origin, Scotland especially Fife region, still remains a significant location for the Couper surname.
Variations of the surname Couper
The surname Couper has various spellings and variants due to geographical differences, dialects, and translations over time. Some of them include Cooper, Copper, Kooper, Coopers, Coope, Kuper, Coupe, Koopman, and Kooperman.
The surname, predominantly of English origin, often denotes someone who made wooden vessels like barrels, tubs, and buckets. Thus, the different variants and spellings often understand the local dialect or language's specific phonetic requirements. Similarly, Kuper and Kooper are variants predominantly seen in countries like Germany and the Netherlands.
In Scotland, Cooper and Couper are commonly used. It is also worth mentioning that there are towns named Coupar, Cupar, Couper in Scotland, suggesting a geographical relationship to the name.
Surnames of the same origin also include names associated with professions or trades, such as Smith, Brewer, or Potter. However, specific to the trade related to 'Couper', other names such as Hooper, Bowyer, or Turner (all professions connected to barrel making) can be referenced.
Please note that surnames can often have more than one origin. For example, the surname Cooper could also be of Dutch origin, where it would then translate to "buyer" or "merchant". This would provide a different set of variants and potential surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Couper
- Angus Couper: The 11th Archbishop of the New Zealand Anglican Church.
- Alexander Couper: Scottish Writer who wrote poetry and prose works, mostly religious narrative writings.
- Frances Couper: A Qantas pilot and a decorated Second World War veteran.
- John Couper: A Scottish Baronet and Member of Parliament for the Renfrewshire Burgh of Greenock.
- Charles Couper: A politician and former Member of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland.
- James Couper: A Scottish architect and the father of renowned architect Peter Nicholson.
- George Couper: An English-born Australian organist, composer and choirmaster.
- Thomas Couper: A United States Marine Corps four-star general who served as the 25th Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1966 to 1969.
- Wil Couper: A former New Zealand rugby league player, coach, and administrator.
- Peter Couper: An English entrepreneur, inventor and industrialist.