What does Cooper mean and where does it come from?
Originally an occupational surname, 'Cooper' has roots in Middle English, derived from the Old French 'coupier' meaning 'to make barrels.' As a first name, it has gained popularity for both genders, especially in the U.S., where it has been trending among parents seeking gender-neutral names. The na
Cultural significance
Cooper has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of barrel maker.
Peak popularity
Reached #74 in 2020 — currently #52 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cooper?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cooper?
Cooper works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cooper Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cooper Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cooper Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cooper Claire
French influence · crisp
Cooper Jane
Literary · strong
Cooper Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cooper right now?
Holding steady — currently #52 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #52 | 5,441 | ▲ up 1 · -3% births |
| 2022 | #53 | 5,628 | ▲ up 15 · +20% births |
| 2021 | #68 | 4,673 | ▲ up 6 · +2% births |
| 2020 | #74 | 4,566 | ▲ up 3 · -13% births |
| 2015 | #77 | 5,264 | ▼ down 2 |
| 2010 | #75 | 5,256 | ▲ up 46 · +55% births |
| 2005 | #121 | 3,392 | ▲ up 120 · +141% births |
| 2000 | #241 | 1,405 | ▲ up 134 · +122% births |
| 1995 | #375 | 632 | ▲ up 331 · +204% births |
| 1990 | #706 | 208 | ▲ up 160 · +91% births |
| 1985 | #866 | 109 | ▲ up 434 · +110% births |
| 1980 | #1300 | 52 | ▲ up 776 · +136% births |
| 1975 | #2076 | 22 | ▼ down 73 · +10% births |
| 1970 | #2003 | 20 | ▼ down 479 · -23% births |
| 1965 | #1524 | 26 | — |
The story of Cooper
Cooper has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. Its peak popularity was #74 in 2020. A total of 96,653 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #758 in 1885 to #52 in 2023. Cooper is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cooper in 2020:
Cooper by decade
Cooper peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 30 | |
| 1890s | 21 | |
| 1900s | 20 | |
| 1910s | 163 | |
| 1920s | 172 | |
| 1930s | 135 | |
| 1940s | 117 | |
| 1950s | 118 | |
| 1960s | 156 | |
| 1970s | 239 | |
| 1980s | 1,037 | |
| 1990s | 6,438 | |
| 2000s | 33,076 | |
| 2010s ★ | 50,249 | |
| 2020s | 4,682 | |
What are good nicknames for Cooper?
Common
CooCoopCoopieCoopyOper
What names sound and feel like Cooper?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cooper also consider these
Common questions about the name Cooper
What does the name Cooper mean?
Cooper means "barrel maker" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cooper?
Cooper is currently ranked #52 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Cooper have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Cooper?
Cooper originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Cooper?
Cooper is a two-syllable name pronounced K UW1 P ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Cooper trending right now?
Cooper is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.