Cope

Historical Background

Cope is a surname of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "copp," meaning "head" or "top." The surname Cope is primarily associated with the southern regions of England, particularly in areas such as Sussex and Hampshire. The first recorded use of the surname can be traced back to the 13th century, making it a relatively old and established surname in British history.

Meaning and Variants

The meaning of the surname Cope is thought to have originally referred to someone who held a position of authority or prominence, such as a leader or head of a household. Over time, the name has evolved, and today it is carried by individuals from various walks of life.

Variants of the surname Cope include Copes, Coape, and Coppe, among others. These variations may have arisen due to regional accents, dialects, and spelling variations prevalent in historical records.

Notable Individuals

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Cope, contributing to various fields such as politics, academia, and the arts. One such example is Sir John Cope (1690–1760), a British Army officer known for his service during the Jacobite Rising of 1745.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Cope has a relatively widespread distribution within the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as the South East and East Anglia. Additionally, descendants of individuals with the surname Cope can be found in other English-speaking countries, particularly in former British colonies such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Coat of Arms

The Cope family has a distinctive coat of arms that features unique symbols and heraldic elements. The coat of arms typically includes a shield with various motifs that represent the heritage and lineage of the Cope family.

Legacy

The surname Cope has stood the test of time, with numerous families proudly bearing this name as part of their ancestral heritage. Today, individuals with the surname Cope continue to contribute to diverse fields and play a role in upholding the historical significance of their family name.

There are approximately 12,734 people named Cope in the UK. That makes it the 708th most common surname in Britain. Around 196 in a million people in Britain are named Cope.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Caroline
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Julie
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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