NomOrigine Background

Last Name Coupe

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.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Coupe

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

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

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Couao-zotti (Last name)

surnames > couao-zotti

The last name Couao-Zotti is of French origin. It's a composite surname formed by combining two separate surnames. The first part, "Couao," might originate from a personal name or ...

Couavoux (Last name)

surnames > couavoux

The surname Couavoux originated in France. It is likely of French origin and may be locational, occupational, or descriptive in nature.

Coubert (Last name)

surnames > coubert

The last name "Coubert" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Cobre", which was a short form of various compound names beginning with the element "c...

Coubrough (Last name)

surnames > coubrough

The surname Coubrough is believed to have originated from a place name in England. Specifically, it's thought to derive from Cobrygh, which was an early medieval settlement near th...

Couceiro (Last name)

surnames > couceiro

The surname Couceiro is of Spanish origin and is derived from the word "couce" which means "tailor" in Galician and Portuguese. The name likely originated as an occupational surnam...

Couchot (Last name)

surnames > couchot

The surname "Couchot" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French term "cuchoie" or "couchet," which means a small bed or couch. The name was likely used as an occupatio...

Couderc (Last name)

surnames > couderc

The surname "Couderc" is of French origin. It is derived from a place-name originating from a small village named Coudérac, located in the Charente department of western France. T...

Coudert (Last name)

surnames > coudert

The surname Coudert is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "coudrier," meaning "hazel tree." The name likely originated as a topographic name for someone who l...

Coudray (Last name)

surnames > coudray

The surname Coudray has French origins and is derived from a geographical location or topographic feature, specifically meaning "cow pasture" or "field for cattle." It is composed ...

Coudurier (Last name)

surnames > coudurier

The surname "Coudurier" is of French origin. It is derived from the Occitan word "cobilar," which means carpenter. Over time, this Occitan word evolved into "coudre," meaning to se...

Coudurry (Last name)

surnames > coudurry

The surname Coudurry is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "coudrier," which means "hazel tree." This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who ...

Couedel (Last name)

surnames > couedel

The last name Couedel appears to have French origins. It is possible that it could be a variation or a derivative of a French surname. Unfortunately, there is limited information a...

Couesmes (Last name)

surnames > couesmes

The surname Couesmes originates from France. It is a toponymic name derived from a place named Couesmes, which is located in the Orne department in Lower Normandy. Toponymic names ...

Coughlan (Last name)

surnames > coughlan

The surname Coughlan is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "Ó Cochlain," which means "descendant of Cochlan." The name Cochlan itself is believed to be derived...

Cougoulat (Last name)

surnames > cougoulat

Sure! The last name Cougoulat is of French origin. It likely comes from the Occitan language, a Romance language spoken in southern France. The exact meaning or origin of the name ...