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Last Name Cooper

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What is the origin of the last name Cooper?

The surname "Cooper" has Anglo-Saxon origins and is derived from the Old English term "cophere," which means "grape-gatherer." It was an occupational name given to someone who worked as a wine maker or vineyard worker. Over time, it evolved into Cooper in Middle English, specifically during the 14th century. The surname spread across England and eventually migrated with the settlers to other countries, such as Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and later the Americas.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Cooper

The surname Cooper is an English occupational name derived from the Old English word "coppe," which means "wood" or "tree," and the Old Norse word "kaupr," meaning "trade." It was originally used to identify individuals who worked as woodworkers, barrel makers, or traders, given the association of trees with these trades. The name's origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England, particularly among artisans and craftsmen. Over time, it became a hereditary surname, passing down through generations. Notable individuals bearing the name Cooper include authors James Fenimore Cooper, known for "The Last of the Mohicans," and Arthur Cooper, a prominent 17th-century English poet. The name is also popular in other parts of the world due to English immigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cooper

The surname Cooper is of English origin and has a widespread distribution due to historical migrations from England. Its highest concentration can be found in the United States, where it ranks among the top 200 most common surnames. In the U.S., the largest populations of Coopers are found in states such as Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, reflecting a history of English settlement in these areas. Additionally, significant numbers of people with the surname Cooper can be found in other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In Europe, the name is most prevalent in England itself, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, where it is often associated with the Gaelic surnames Mac Phàdraig (Scottish Gaelic) and Ó Cobhair (Irish Gaelic), both meaning 'descendant of Cooper'. The name also appears in small numbers across continental Europe due to historical migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cooper

The surname Cooper has several variations and spellings worldwide, most notably due to differences in transcription between English and other languages. Some common variants include: Coooper, Coopersmith, Coope, Coopland, Cooplair, Cuper, Kuper, Kuypers, and de Coeur. These variations may arise from regional dialects, spelling reforms, or the influence of other languages. For example, in Dutch, a similar sounding surname is "Kuijpers" which means "coopers," while in French, it's "Cuper" or "Coûteau." In some cases, variations like Coooper and Coopland may also stem from attempts to make the name phonetically more recognizable. However, it's important to note that these variants can have different origins, and not all will be related to the occupation of a cooper (a maker or repairer of barrels).

Famous people with the last name Cooper

Among individuals sharing the surname Cooper, several notable figures have made significant contributions across various fields. Inventor and engineer Peter Cooper (1791-1883) is known for designing steamships and developing the first American railroad locomotive, the Tom Thumb. Another significant figure is astronomer Edwin Hubble (1889-1953), who expanded our understanding of the universe with his discovery of the expanding universe, a key principle in cosmology. In the realm of literature, James Fenimore Cooper (1789-1851) penned seminal works such as The Last of the Mohicans and the famous sea-adventure novels of the Mariner trilogy. Additionally, American journalist and feminist Gloria Steinem (b. 1934), a key figure in the women's liberation movement, shares this surname. These are just some examples of the Cooper family's distinguished contributions to history and culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Cooper

The surname Cooper is of Anglo-Saxon and Norse origin, with roots dating back to ancient England and Scandinavia. Derived from the Old English 'copper', meaning "woodcutter", or the Old Norse 'Kaupmawr', meaning "shopkeeper or merchant", it is a name that has been borne by many notable figures throughout history. In medieval England, the name Cooper was commonly associated with woodworkers who specialized in creating wooden vessels for transporting liquids, such as wine and ale. The name gained prominence during the Middle Ages due to the importance of these vessels in trade and transportation. Over time, the spelling has evolved, with variants including Cope, Coop, Copper, Kuper, Kuper, and others. Notable individuals bearing the surname Cooper include English poet John Cooper Powys, American presidents William Cooper and Millard Fillmore, and musician Alice Cooper, among many others. Today, the Cooper name is widely distributed across the globe, reflecting its long and varied history.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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