Origin & Meaning of the Cooper Surname
What does the last name Cooper mean?
The surname Cooper carries the meaning "Occupational name for a barrel maker or cooper." It is derived from the Middle English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 280,791 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cooper ranks as the #70 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cooper come from?
The Cooper surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cooper name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cooper trace back to Middle English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Cooper |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Occupational name for a barrel maker or cooper |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Middle English |
| US Rank (2010) | #70 |
| US Count (2010) | 280,791 |
| Per 100K People | 95.19 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cooper
According to the US Census, the Cooper surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 280,791 Americans with the Cooper last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.93% |
| Black | 26.13% |
| Hispanic | 2.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.74% |
| Two or More Races | 2.31% |
Popularity of Cooper Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cooper surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cooper surname increased by 10,694 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cooper
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