Copley

Copley is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from a place name referring to various villages named Copley in England. The name "Copley" is believed to have originated from Old English elements, with "cop" meaning a hilltop and "leah" referring to a clearing. The name's early occurrences are recorded in Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, indicating a strong connection to the north of England.

Notable bearers of the surname include the renowned English portrait painter John Singleton Copley (1738–1815). Copley's works are celebrated for their intricate detail and vivid representation of prominent figures in 18th-century British and American society. His paintings are displayed in prestigious art collections worldwide and have made a lasting impact on the art world.

The Copley surname has continued to be passed down through generations, with individuals bearing the name contributing to various fields. It remains a distinctive part of British heritage, reflecting the ancestral roots of families across the country with ties to the villages and regions associated with the Copley name.

There are approximately 4,167 people named Copley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,236th most common surname in Britain. Around 64 in a million people in Britain are named Copley.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Diane
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Joan
  • Joanne
  • Judith
  • Karen
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Rachel
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.