Skip to content

Name meaning & originCooper

/KOO-per/

Make a name keepsake

Cooper is a Middle English / Latin baby name pronounced /KOO-per/. This name literally refers to a person who makes and repairs wooden barrels and casks.

Share this name

Meaning of Cooper

This name literally refers to a person who makes and repairs wooden barrels and casks.

The name is an English occupational surname derived from the Middle English 'couper', which originates from the Middle Dutch 'kūper'. The root word 'cup' or 'cūpa' in Latin refers to a tun or vat. While historically a surname, it gained popularity as a given name in the late 20th century following the trend of using occupational surnames for children.

Origin
Middle English / Latin
Pronunciation
/KOO-per/

Cultural background

While historically most common in English-speaking countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada, it is primarily used as a masculine name but has seen increasing use for girls.

Variations & nicknames

  • Coop
  • Couper
  • Cuper
  • Kooper
  • Kuper

Famous people named Cooper

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Cooper Kupp

    Professional American football wide receiver

    Sport · Modern

  • Cooper Huckabee

    American character actor known for 'Gettysburg'

    Film · Modern

  • Cooper Manning

    Television personality and eldest brother of the Manning football family

    Television · Modern

  • Cooper Andrews

    American actor known for 'The Walking Dead'

    Film · Modern

  • Cooper Koch

    American actor known for 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story'

    Film · Modern

Frequently asked about Cooper

Is Cooper a gender-neutral name?
Yes, while it is traditionally more common for boys, it is increasingly used as a unisex name for girls.
What is the origin of the name Cooper?
It is an English occupational name for a barrel maker, derived from the Middle English word 'couper'.
What are common nicknames for Cooper?
The most common nickname for Cooper is Coop.

Love Cooper? Get more names like it

We'll email you 5 fresh Middle English / Latin names each week — free, no spam.

By signing up you agree to get these name emails. We use your email only for them; unsubscribe any time from privacy requests. See our privacy policy. 18+ only.