Last Name Coppex

The surname Coppex is believed to be of French origin, derived from various regional names and occupations. The name could have several possible origins. 1. Topographic name for someone who lived near a copse or wood, from Old French "coppe" (from Latin "coppus"), meaning 'trunk' or 'stump'. This could refer to someone living by a copse or small wood. 2. Occupational name for a barrel maker, from Old French "coper," which comes from the Latin "caput" meaning 'head.' Barrels were often referred to as 'heads,' and barrel makers would have been known as "cobereis." The modern French form of this occupation is "coiffeur." 3. Habitational name from a place called Coppen, in Aisne and Nord (Picardy), both in northern France. These places were named with the Old French personal name Cope or its diminutive form Copin, and the suffix -(e)s, denoting a place belonging to someone. 4. The surname may also be related to the medieval Latin word "coppa" (cup), possibly indicating a nickname for someone thought to have an unusually large head or cup-like ears.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Coppex

The surname Coppex originates from France, specifically from the region of Picardy. It is derived from a professional name, indicating that the original bearer was a cooper by trade. The French word for cooper is "tonnelier," but over time, regional variations and simplifications led to the emergence of alternate surnames like Coppex. This surname gained widespread use during the Middle Ages when occupational names became common in Europe as a means of identification. As families migrated or moved to different towns and cities, they often retained their original surnames, thus allowing for genealogical research across generations and geographical boundaries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coppex

The surname Coppex is primarily found in France and Belgium, with significant concentrations in these countries. In France, it is most prevalent in regions such as Franche-Comté, Haut-Rhin, Bas-Rhin, Aisne, and Oise, suggesting a historical association with these areas. The name may have originated from the town of Coppet in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, which could explain its presence in neighboring France. In Belgium, it is particularly common in Wallonia, specifically in the provinces of Hainaut and Liège. The distribution of the surname Coppex in other countries is relatively minimal, with minor occurrences in Switzerland, Canada, and the United States, likely due to migration from France and Belgium over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coppex

The surname Coppex has various spellings and variations, largely due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common forms include Coppez, Coppé, Copeaux, and Copèze. In French-speaking regions, the surname may also be found as Coppez-Dumont, Coppex-Touzaint, or Coppex-Lambert, indicating instances where the family name has been combined with other surnames through marriage or other means. It is also possible to find variations such as Coppéix and Coppée, which are less common but still related to the original form. These spelling variations provide insight into the historical evolution of the Coppex name across different regions and time periods.

Famous people with the last name Coppex

Notable individuals with the surname Coppex include:

1. Pierre-Joseph Coppex (1787-1862), a French publisher known for his collaboration with Victor Hugo, publishing several of his works during their lifetime.

2. Jean-Pierre Coppex (born 1946), a French philosopher and writer, specializing in the philosophy of technology, ethics, and humanism.

3. Marie-Claude Beaud (née Coppex, born 1958), a Canadian politician who served as Member of Parliament for Montcalm from 2011 to 2015.

4. Paul Coppex (born 1960), a French footballer who played as a goalkeeper in the late 1970s and early 1980s, notably for Paris Saint-Germain and France's national team.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as publishing, philosophy, politics, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Coppex

The surname Coppex originates from France and is believed to have derived from various locations named Coppes or Coupey, found primarily in the regions of Picardy and Normandy. Early records trace the family back to the 13th century with Pierre de Coppes who lived in the village of Bailleul-lès-Perthes in Picardy during the late 1200s. The name has several possible meanings, including "maker of cups" or "barrel maker," derived from the Old French words "coppe" and "couperie." Over the centuries, variations of the surname have emerged, such as Coppes, Coupé, Copée, and Coppeaux. Notable individuals bearing this name include Jean-Baptiste Copé, a prominent jurist and politician in 19th century France, and Émile Coppel, a French chemist who made significant contributions to the field of synthetic rubber.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "coppex"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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