What is the origin of the last name Cope?
Countries of origin for the last name Cope
The last name COPE has its origins in England and Scotland. It is a surname that can be traced back to the Middle Ages, specifically the 13th century. The name COPE is classified as a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the personal name of an ancestor. In this case, it is believed that COPE originated as a nickname or diminutive form of the medieval given name “Cob”, which itself is a variant of “Jacob” or “Jacobus”.
Historical records show that the surname COPE has been consistently found in both England and Scotland throughout the centuries. However, it is more common in England, especially in the northern regions. The distribution of the COPE surname indicates a concentration in the counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Derbyshire. This suggests a possible connection to the regions where the surname has been most prevalent.
Regarding the etymology of the surname COPE, it is derived from the Old Norse word “Kópa” which means “to bargain” or “to bargain for”. This could suggest that individuals with the COPE surname were involved in trading or commerce during the medieval period. However, there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory.
The COPE surname has appeared in various forms and spellings over time. These include variants such as COPP, COUP, and COPES. These variations reflect the evolution of the English language and the influence of regional dialects. It is worth noting that the COPE surname has not undergone significant changes in spelling compared to some other surnames.
As with many surnames, the COPE family name has not been extensively studied in terms of its specific genealogical and historical connections. Therefore, it is challenging to pinpoint famous individuals or notable events directly associated with the COPE surname. However, it is probable that there have been individuals with the COPE surname who have achieved recognition in various fields, such as politics, arts, and sciences. In-depth genealogical research and family histories may unearth further insights into the COPE surname and its notable bearers.
In conclusion, the last name COPE is an English and Scottish patronymic surname with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. Its etymology suggests a possible connection to trading or commerce, although this remains speculative. The distribution of the COPE surname indicates a concentration in northern England, particularly in the counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Derbyshire. While the specific genealogical and historical details of the COPE surname are not extensively documented, further research and individual family histories may shed light on its notable bearers and their contributions to various fields.
Interesting facts about the last name Cope
- The surname “Cope” has English origins and is derived from the Old English word “cop,” which means “summit” or “top” and likely referred to someone who lived near a hilltop or on high ground.
- It is believed that the surname Cope could also have occupational origins, with the name being given to those who made or sold cloaks or capes. The term “cope” was used in medieval times to refer to a long cloak with a hood.
- The surname Cope is relatively rare, ranking at around 7,000th in terms of popularity in the United States.
- Notable individuals with the surname Cope include Edward Drinker Cope, an American paleontologist and comparative anatomist known for his extensive work in studying and describing fossils.
- In heraldry, the Cope surname is associated with a coat of arms that features a gold field with three black quatrefoils (a stylized floral design consisting of four petals or leaves) in a horizontal line on the upper part and a red field with a gold cross on the lower part.
- The Cope surname is found in various parts of the world, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and the United States.
- There are different variations of the surname Cope, including Copes, Copestake, Copas, and Copp.
- The name Cope has also been used as a given name, and it is occasionally seen as a middle name for both males and females.
Name Rank
#1964
There are around 18410 people with the last name Cope in the US