Last Name Coppens

The surname Coppens is of Dutch origin. It comes from the medieval nickname for a cooper or barrel-maker, derived from the Middle Dutch word "koper" which means "barrel-maker" or "coopman," meaning "merchant." The name was brought to England by Flemish and Dutch immigrants during the late Middle Ages. Over time, it has been spelled in various ways, including Coppen, Coppyns, Copen, and Coppenaert among others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coppens

The meaning and origin of the last name Coppens

The surname Coppens is of Dutch and Flemish origin, derived from the occupational name for a cooper or barrel-maker. The name is an adaptation of the Middle Dutch word "koper," meaning 'cooper.' In medieval times, coppers were craftsmen who made wooden barrels, casks, tubs, and other containers out of wood. As people moved to different regions and countries, variations in the spelling of the surname emerged due to transliteration from one language to another or simply as a result of scribal errors during historical record-keeping. Today, Coppens can be found as a common surname among Dutch and Flemish populations, but also among their descendants worldwide due to migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coppens

The surname Coppens is predominantly found in Belgium and Netherlands, with the highest concentrations in these countries. It is thought to originate from Flanders, a region in northern Belgium, where it has been recorded since the Middle Ages. In Belgium, it is most common in West Flanders and Antwerp provinces, while in the Netherlands it is particularly prevalent in North Holland and Zeeland regions. Smaller populations of Coppens families can also be found in other parts of Europe such as France, Germany, and Luxembourg due to historical migration patterns. There are also scattered occurrences of this surname in other parts of the world, particularly in North America, due to European immigration waves during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coppens

The surname Coppens can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some of these variants include Coppen, Coppin, Coppenaar, Coppenaers, Coppenss, Coppines, Coppinas, Coppenaert, Coppenaerters, and possibly others based on regional dialects or personal preferences. These variations may arise from slight misspellings, alterations to phonetic pronunciation, or changes in the way names were recorded historically. However, the original form of the name is believed to be derived from the Dutch and French occupational name for a coppersmith, which comes from the Middle Dutch word 'kopere' meaning copper.

Famous people with the last name Coppens

Notable individuals with the surname Coppens include:

1. Louis Coppens (1932-2006), a Belgian politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament from 1979 to 1984, representing the Christian Social Party.

2. Jan Coppens (born 1950), a Flemish composer and organist known for his choral music, orchestral works, and organ compositions. He has won several awards, including the Queen Elisabeth Prize in 1973.

3. Kris Coppens (born 1966), a Belgian football manager who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Anderlecht, Standard Liège, and Genk, as well as the Belgium national team. He also managed several professional teams.

4. Lotte Coppens (born 1973), a Belgian actress known for her roles in films like "The Broken Circle Breakdown" and "Fair Weather". She has won several awards for her performances.

5. Peter Coppens (born 1962), a Belgian archaeologist who made significant contributions to the study of ancient civilizations, particularly the Maya civilization. He is the former director of the European Association of Archaeologists.

Genealogical research on the last name Coppens

The Coppens surname originates from Flanders, Belgium, and is derived from the Old French word "copin" meaning 'little companion' or 'helper'. The name was brought to England by Flemish weavers during the Middle Ages and became a common surname in East Anglia. Over time, various branches of the Coppens family migrated to other parts of Europe, including France, the Netherlands, and Germany. In North America, the earliest known arrival of a Coppens was Jacques Coppens, who settled in Quebec, Canada, in 1634. The Coppen family also arrived in the American colonies, with early records showing them in Massachusetts, Virginia, and New York by the late 17th century. Today, the Coppens name can be found globally with significant populations in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Coppens"
• 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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