Pronunciation: [ k-OOP-er ]
Does Cooper flow with your last name?
A craftsman's name with easygoing American charm
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Cooper
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"From the Middle English 'couper' or Middle Low German 'kuper'; an occupational surname for a barrel maker"
"barrel maker"
"cask maker, craftsman"
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Browse nicknames →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.
Cooper first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 115,545 babies have been named Cooper in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cooper is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #50 for boy names in the US .
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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
Top states by rank · 2024
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cooper
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
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Cooper is also used as a girl name, ranked #1505.
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Old English origin
"wayside land, roadside settlement"
#65 in US
Old Norse origin
"divine strength"
#217 in US
Hebrew via modern creation origin
"God has heard, thankful to God"
#59 in US
Old French origin
"powerful, brave king"
#232 in US
Brythonic Celtic origin
"bear, bear-like strength"
#105 in US
Old German via Italian origin
"lion-bold; brave as a lion"
#84 in US
Hebrew origin
"Italian form of John, gift of God"
#122 in US
Biblical Hebrew origin
"messenger of God"
#233 in US
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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.
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