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Last Name Coupe

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What is the origin of the last name Coupe?

The surname Coupe is of Old French origin, derived from the occupational name for a cooper (a maker and repairer of barrels, casks, tubs, etc., primarily of wood). It was used in England from at least the 13th century. The name's original form was "Cuper," which comes from the Old French "cuvier" or Latin "cornu-putus," both meaning hollow or barrel-shaped. Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Coper, Coope, and eventually Coupe.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coupe

The meaning and origin of the last name Coupe

The surname Coupe is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "coupe," which means "cup" or "bowl." This name was often used as an occupational name for a maker or seller of cups and bowls, or it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a hollow or concave land feature. The surname Coupe is also found in England, where the Normans brought the name after their conquest in 1066. Over time, variations in spelling such as Copp, Coope, and Coupe emerged due to factors like regional accents, spelling reformations, and migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coupe

The surname Coupe is predominantly distributed across several regions in France, particularly in the northwestern and southern parts. It originates from the Old French word "coupe," meaning "cutter" or "maker of wooden utensils." In England, it's found primarily in the counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire, due to Norman influence during the conquest in 1066. The name also has a presence in Scotland, particularly around Edinburgh, and in parts of North America, where French colonists migrated, such as Quebec in Canada and Louisiana in the United States. Additionally, minor concentrations can be found in Belgium and the Netherlands, reflecting the dispersal of French speakers during historical migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coupe

The surname Coupe has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include Coup, Cope, Coop, Copp, Coppe, and Couper. These variations may originate from regional dialects, phonetic changes, or errors during data entry. The name is of Old French origin, derived from the word "coupe," meaning "cut" or "ditch." It was originally a topographical name for someone who lived near a cut or ditch, or an occupational name for a maker or user of cutting tools. The name can also be found in various forms in other languages, such as Koupe (Greek) and Coupier (French).

Famous people with the last name Coupe

Notable individuals with the surname Coupe include:

1. George Coupe (1870-1942), an Australian politician who served as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1907 to 1913 and later as a Senator from 1925 until his death.

2. John Coupe (born 1966), a British screenwriter, known for his work on series such as "Doctor Who," "The Sarah Jane Adventures," and "Torchwood."

3. Sir William Henry Coupe (1827-1890), a British naval officer who played a significant role in the suppression of the Taiping Rebellion in China during the 1860s. He was knighted for his efforts.

4. Charles Edward Coupe (1832-1905), an English engineer, inventor, and manufacturer, who is credited with developing the first successful process for producing large quantities of artificial silk, viscose rayon.

Genealogical research on the last name Coupe

The surname Coupe originates from France and is a variant of the French-Occitan name "Cope" or "Coupeau," which means "butcher." The earliest recorded instance of this name is found in Normandy around the 12th century, with Guillaume le Coupier documented in 1150.

Over time, families bearing the Coupe surname migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066 and later to Scotland due to border disputes between England and Scotland. Some Coupe descendants also emigrated to the United States, Canada, and Australia throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, with notable figures such as John Coupe, a successful businessman in New York City during the late 1800s, and Sir William Claude Coupe, a prominent Australian judge.

The surname Coupe is relatively uncommon but is still found across various regions today, reflecting its historical roots and migration patterns over centuries.

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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