Surname Cowper - Meaning and Origin
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Cowper: What does the surname Cowper mean?
The surname Cowper (or Cooper) is of English origin and traces back to various medieval occupations. Literally, it is derived from the Middle English term "couper" or "cooper", which denotes an individual who made and repaired wooden vessels such as barrels, tubs, buckets, casks, and vats. This explanation comes from the Old English word "coper" which, in turn, is from the Latin "cupa". So, the name was primarily labor-based, granted to individuals who performed this particular craft. It is also possible that in some cases, the surname could have been locational, for people from places named Cooper or Cowper. As it was adopted and adjusted in different regions and eras, the surname has several spelling variations, which also include Cowper, Couper, and Copper. Like many occupational surnames, it was born out of the necessary function it described, painting a picture of our ancestors’ daily lives and the roles they played in their communities.
Order DNA origin analysisCowper: Where does the name Cowper come from?
The surname Cowper originated from the British Isles, specifically England, and first appeared in early medieval records. The name is believed to come from the trade of its initial bearers who were likely "cow-herds" or "cow-keepers". The word 'Cowper' codifies the Old English term "cu" referring to a cow and the verb "pierian" which means to lead or to manage. During the Middle Ages, it was common for last names to reflect a person's job or trade. William Cowper (1731–1800), an English poet and hymn-writer, is a notable bearer of the name.
As of today, the surname Cowper is found most frequently in England. Particularly, it has a higher incidence in Yorkshire region, although it is represented throughout the UK. In terms of global distribution, the surname is quite rare and mainly found in countries historically tied to the UK. Following England, the largest populations of people with the surname Cowper are found in Australia, Scotland, the United States, New Zealand, and Canada.
Variations of the surname Cowper
The surname Cowper can be spelled and presented in various forms. As a surname of English origin, some of its variants include Cooper, Couper, Cowpar, Cowpere, Cowperthwaite, Copper, and Cowpur. In earlier times, the surname was typically derived from occupations in the medieval period, suggesting that these surnames were used for metalworkers or barrel makers.
Surnames that may be considered from the same origin include Chauper, Coper, and Coupar. Similarly, Coope, Coop, Coopp, and Coopere, which are English surnames derived from the occupation of a cooper, might also be considered. Variants with the 'thwaite' suffix indicate Scandinavian influence, connecting the names to geographical or topographical features.
However, it's crucial to note that while these names may seem very similar or have common roots, each surname usually has its own unique history and evolution. Differences in spelling can often be attributed to a mix of linguistic elements from differing regions, time periods, or individual family preference.
Famous people with the name Cowper
- William Cowper: An English poet and hymnodist who immensely contributed to 18th-century literature.
- Frank Cowper: British writer and sailor who, in 1896, was the first to solo circumnavigate the globe in a small yacht.
- Spencer Cowper: English judge in the early 18th century, notorious for a murder trial in which he was acquitted.
- Richard Cowper: Pen name of English Science Fiction author Colin Middleton Murry.
- Henry Swainson Cowper: An English antiquarian and author.
- Thomas Cowper: New Zealand politician who served as the 6th premier of New Zealand.
- Earl Cowper: A title in the Peerage of Great Britain, including Peter Cowper, the 5th Earl Cowper.
- Edward Cowper: An English engineer and inventor.
- William Cowper Brann: A controversial American journalist known for his direct writing style. Please note that some are spelt Cowper, though they may pronounce it "Cooper".