Pronunciation: [ k-OOP-er ]
A craftsman's name with easygoing American charm
"From the Middle English 'couper' or Middle Low German 'kuper'; an occupational surname for a barrel maker"
"barrel maker"
"cask maker, craftsman"
Cooper is an occupational English surname derived from Middle English 'couper' and Old French 'coupier', referring to a craftsperson who makes and repairs wooden barrels, casks, and tubs. Coopers were essential craftsmen in medieval and early modern times, as barrels were the primary container for storing and shipping wine, beer, food, and gunpowder.
Cooper entered the US top 100 boys' names around 2010 and has climbed steadily, reaching the top 80 by the 2020s. It's particularly popular in Australia, where it has been a top-5 boys' name for over a decade. The name's approachable, cheerful sound — anchored by the nickname Coop — makes it enduringly likable.
Gary Cooper was one of Hollywood's greatest stars, winning two Academy Awards and representing American masculinity at its most understated. In Australia, Cooper has become a national name phenomenon, consistently ranking in the top 5 for over a decade.
Actor
1975
American actor and filmmaker, seven-time Academy Award nominee known for A Star Is Born, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Sniper
Rock musician
1948
American rock singer and songwriter known for his shock rock performances and classic albums such as Welcome to My Nightmare
Actor
1901
Two-time Academy Award-winning American actor known for his understated style in High Noon and Sergeant York
Other
FBI special agent protagonist of David Lynch's Twin Peaks, known for his love of coffee and cherry pie
Cooper is also used as a girl name, ranked #1505.
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Cooper is a boy name with English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "From the Middle English 'couper' or Middle Low German 'kuper'; an occupational surname for a barrel maker" in English .
Is Cooper a boy or girl name? Cooper is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #50 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,505. Cooper is more commonly used as a boy name.
Cooper is currently ranked #50 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Cooper has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-OOP-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Cooper include Coop. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.