Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Cooper has its roots in Old English, meaning 'barrel maker'. It evolved through Middle English and has been used as a given name since the 19th century. The name reflects traits of craftsmanship and reliability, and it does not have any biblical significance. Today, Cooper is a popular name associated with various notable individuals.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkuːpər/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Cooper derives from the Middle English 'coupere' and the Old English 'cūpere', which refers to a barrel maker or someone who makes wooden casks.
Meaning
barrel maker
Language Evolution
Old English: cūpere, Middle English: coupere, Modern English: Cooper
Historical Usage
The name Cooper became more popular as a surname in the Middle Ages, particularly in England, and has been used as a first name since the 19th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Coope, Cuper, Kuper
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Cooper is viewed as a strong, classic name that conveys a sense of craftsmanship and reliability.
Famous People
Cooper Kupp, American football player, Gary Cooper, American actor, Bobby Cooper, American professional wrestler
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,843 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (5 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 5 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1701st of 7545 | 318 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2083rd of 6773 | 231 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2225th of 7552 | 252 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1922nd of 10718 | 364 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 617th of 16616 | 4,036 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 123rd of 24088 | 51,273 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 71st of 23106 | 59,672 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8745th of 27321 | 120 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2627th of 35406 | 1,007 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1736th of 30306 | 1,474 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
70.25% 1662nd/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
95.07% 2237th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
77.71% 2217th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
64.38% 2265th/3518 |
45.15% 1826th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
15.74% 580th/3685 |
15.51% 694th/4475 |
13.57% 705th/5194 |
8.04% 508th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
2.12% 97th/4582 |
2.67% 138th/5164 |
1.75% 128th/7313 |
2.08% 155th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
1.18% 47th/3984 |
2.14% 96th/4487 |
1.04% 71st/6822 |
1.55% 97th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
80.90% 4202nd/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
80.90% 3707th/4582 |
81.41% 4204th/5164 |
33.98% 2485th/7313 |
50.86% 3796th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
45.43% 1810th/3984 |
57.54% 2582nd/4487 |
23.81% 1624th/6822 |
27.92% 1752nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1701st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2083rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2225th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1922nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 617th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 123rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 71st out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8745th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2627th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1736th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
