Cooper is a name of English origin that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is derived from the occupational surname Cooper, which was given to makers and sellers of barrels, also known as coopers. The word "cooper" itself comes from the Middle English word "couper," meaning "barrel maker." The occupation of cooper dates back to ancient times, with evidence of coopering in ancient Egypt and Greece.
The name Cooper is not associated with any particular saint or religious figure, nor does it have a specific biblical reference. Instead, its meaning is tied to the historical profession of barrel making. In some cases, the name Cooper may be associated with the surname Cooper, which can also have different origins depending on location. For example, in Scotland, Cooper was often given to people who lived near a cooperage or worked as coopers.
In terms of history, the use of the name Cooper as a given name is relatively recent. It was not common as a first name until the mid-20th century, when it began to be used more frequently in English-speaking countries. Today, Cooper is often considered a modern classic name, appealing to parents who appreciate its strong, straightforward sound and its connection to history.
Cooper has also gained popularity due to its association with celebrities such as actor Bradley Cooper and musician Alice Cooper. However, it is important to note that these individuals did not necessarily have direct influences on the name's rising popularity; rather, they are simply notable people who happen to share the name Cooper.
In summary, Cooper is an English occupational name derived from the profession of barrel making. It has a historical connection to coopers throughout history and gained popularity as a given name in the mid-20th century. Despite its recent rise in popularity, Cooper remains a strong and timeless name choice for parents looking for a meaningful and distinctive name for their child.
Sources:
* "Cooper" by the Social Security Administration:
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe that the popularity of the name Cooper has significantly increased over time in the United States.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of births with the name Cooper was quite low, ranging from 5 to 23 births per year between 1882 and 1929. However, starting from the 1930s, there is a noticeable increase in the popularity of this name, with the annual birth count fluctuating between 8 and 26.
The trend continues to rise in the latter half of the 20th century, with Cooper being given to more than 50 newborns annually from 1974 onwards. This upward trajectory becomes even more pronounced in the early 21st century, as seen by the sharp increase in births from 1405 in 2000 to a peak of 5625 in 2022.
Overall, Cooper has evolved from being quite uncommon in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to becoming one of the most popular boys' names in recent years. According to the data, there were approximately 110479 babies named Cooper born in total in the United States up until 2023.