Last Name Koop

The surname "Koop" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "kouf," which means "purchased" or "bought." This name may have originally been given to someone who was a buyer or trader, or it could refer to someone who was involved in buying or selling goods. Over time, the name "Koop" would have been passed down from generation to generation to become a hereditary surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Koop

The meaning and origin of the last name Koop

The surname Koop is of Dutch origin and is derived from the Middle Dutch word "c(o)pe," meaning "purchase" or "bargain." It is believed to have originated as an occupational surname for a merchant or trader who specialized in buying and selling goods. The name may also have been given to someone who worked at or owned a shop or market stall. The surname Koop is fairly common in the Netherlands and Germany, where variations such as "Koopman" and "Koppe" can also be found. Over time, the surname may have been anglicized or modified in different regions, leading to variations such as "Coop" or "Kooper." Today, individuals with the surname Koop can be found around the world, often tracing their ancestry back to Dutch or German roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Koop

The last name Koop is most commonly found in Germany, with a significant presence in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. It is also found in the Netherlands, particularly in the province of Groningen. In North America, Koop is prevalent in Canada, particularly in the province of Ontario. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Koop in the United States, with notable concentrations in states such as California, Texas, and Iowa. The surname may also be found in Australia and South Africa, due to historical migration patterns. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Koop reflects its European origins, with a strong presence in Germany and the Netherlands, as well as pockets of individuals with this surname scattered throughout North America and other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Koop

The last name Koop can also be found spelled as Koops, Koep, Koopes, and Kopp. These variations may be due to regional differences, transliteration issues, or changes in spelling over time. It is important to note that variations in the spelling of a surname are common, especially as families immigrate to new countries and adapt to different languages and alphabets. In some cases, individuals may choose to change the spelling of their last name for personal or professional reasons. Despite the different spellings, all of these variations still ultimately trace back to the original surname Koop. Whether spelled as Koop, Koops, Koep, Koopes, or Kopp, the name likely has a shared history and meaning within the family that carries it.

Famous people with the last name Koop

One famous individual with the last name Koop is C. Everett Koop, a renowned pediatric surgeon who served as the Surgeon General of the United States from 1982 to 1989. Dr. Koop was known for his approachable demeanor and his commitment to raising awareness about public health issues, such as smoking and AIDS. He spearheaded efforts to combat these issues and was instrumental in increasing public understanding of preventive medicine. Another notable figure with the last name Koop is Stu Koop, a former professional hockey player who played for the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins in the 1970s. Stu was known for his tough and physical style of play, earning a reputation as a fierce competitor on the ice. Both C. Everett Koop and Stu Koop have left lasting legacies in their respective fields, making significant contributions to healthcare and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Koop

The surname Koop is of Dutch origin, deriving from the Middle Dutch word "coop," meaning "buy" or "purchase." It is believed to have been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a merchant or trader. The Koop family likely originated in the Netherlands before spreading to other countries through migration and immigration. Variants of the surname may include Koops, Koopman, or Coop. Genealogical research on the Koop surname would involve tracing family lines back through various records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census data, and immigration records. The family history of the Koop name may reveal connections to other Dutch families as well as potential branches in different countries around the world where Koop descendants have settled. Further exploration of archives and historical documents may shed light on the roots and evolution of the Koop family over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Koop"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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