Last Name Copeland

The surname Copeland originated from an Old English personal name "Cope," which is a derivative of the word "cop," meaning a hawk or a bold person. The "-land" part of the name is a common English topographic suffix that means 'land' or 'country.' In this case, it was likely used as a locative name, indicating someone who lived in a place named Copeland (hawk land). Over time, the personal name Cope became a surname and was spelled various ways, including Copeland. This surname is most common in England, particularly in the counties of Lancashire, Cheshire, and Durham.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Copeland

The meaning and origin of the last name Copeland

The surname Copeland originates from England and is derived from Old English words "cop" meaning 'copse' or 'wood' and "land," indicating a person who lived by a wooded area or coppice. Over time, it may have also been associated with the Middle English term "copele(a)nd," which means 'enclosure for deer.' The name Copeland was first recorded in the early 13th century and is relatively uncommon but still exists in various regions of England, as well as in other countries due to English immigration. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Sir George Copland, an English composer, and Katherine Copeland, a British Paralympian swimmer.

Geographical distribution of the last name Copeland

The surname Copeland is predominantly distributed across English-speaking regions due to its origins from Old English and Norman roots. It is most frequently found in England, particularly in the northern and midland counties such as Yorkshire, Durham, Northumberland, Lincolnshire, and Staffordshire. However, it also has a significant presence in other parts of the UK, including Scotland and Wales.

In addition to its British roots, Copeland is also common in countries with substantial British influence, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the U.S., it is particularly prevalent in states that have a high population of English or Scotch-Irish ancestry, like Virginia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

While Copeland is predominantly an Anglo-Saxon name, variations such as Kopland (in Scandinavian countries) and Copelant (in France) indicate its historical migration and assimilation across different cultures.

Variants and spellings of the last name Copeland

The surname Copeland has several variations and spellings due to historical spelling changes, regional differences, and individual preferences. Some common versions include:

1. Copeland - most common spelling of the surname
2. Copley - a variant with minor spelling difference
3. Coplend - an alternative spelling, mainly found in England
4. Copiland - a less common variation
5. Copenland - a rare spelling variation
6. Cooplant - an unusual alteration
7. Copeleand - an uncommon misspelling
8. Copelan - another variant with a slight change in the ending
9. Copaend - an infrequently used variation of Copeland.

These variations may have arisen due to spelling errors, regional dialects, or intentional alterations over time. Despite these differences, they all stem from the original name, which is of English origin and comes from the Old English words "cop" (meaning 'oak tree') and "land" (meaning 'land').

Famous people with the last name Copeland

Notable individuals with the surname Copeland include:

1. Aaron Copland (1900-1990), an influential American composer and music educator, best known for his innovative orchestral works such as Appalachian Spring and Fanfare for the Common Man.
2. Florence Price (1887-1953), born Flora Anne Copeland, was an African-American composer who achieved recognition in her lifetime and beyond for her symphonies, concertos, and spiritual arrangements.
3. Samuel Copland (1743-1806), a British astronomer and mathematician known for his work on the tides and geodesy.
4. Arthur Copeland (1902-1985), an American meteorologist who helped develop the World Weather Watch program, coordinating international weather data collection efforts.
5. Lena Horne (1917-2010), born Lena Mary Calhoun Horne, was an American singer and actress whose career spanned over seven decades, and she was a significant figure in the Civil Rights Movement. Although not born Copeland, she was adopted by her grandmother's second husband, Copeland, before changing her name to Horne as an adult.

Genealogical research on the last name Copeland

The surname Copeland has roots that can be traced back to England and Scotland. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Robert de Kobland, who lived in the county of Northumberland in England during the 12th century. The name is believed to have originated from a place called Cobley or Cope's Land, both located in different parts of England. Over time, various spellings such as Cobland, Copenland, and Copeland emerged due to dialectical differences and transliteration errors. Some notable individuals with the surname Copeland include Sir Anthony Copland, a knight in the service of Henry VIII, and Sir Thomas Copland, an English merchant who played a significant role in the colonization of Virginia. In America, the name became particularly prevalent in the Southern United States due to early British immigrants. Today, the Copeland family is found worldwide with high concentrations in England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Copeland"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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