Find out how popular the first name Copeland has been for the last 44 years (from 1980 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Copeland by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Copeland is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 79% of people named Copeland being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 60 male babies and 18 female babies born with the name Copeland.

The history of the first name Copeland

The name Copeland is an English surname that has been adopted as a given name over time. It is derived from two Old English words, "cop" meaning a peak or hill, and "land" meaning land or territory. Copeland was originally used as a locational surname for someone who lived in a particular area known for its hills or peaks.

The earliest recorded use of the name Copeland dates back to the 12th century, when it appeared in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire in 1166 as a reference to a place name. In the following centuries, it became a common surname among English families, particularly in the northern regions of England.

While there are no significant historical references to the name Copeland itself, it gained prominence through its association with notable individuals who bore this surname. One such person was John Copeland, an English military commander who fought in the Hundred Years' War against France in the 14th century.

Another prominent figure with the name Copeland was Ralph Copeland, an English astronomer and mathematician who lived from 1837 to 1905. He made significant contributions to the study of planetary motions and the calculation of eclipses.

In the realm of literature, the name Copeland is associated with Charles Townsend Copeland, an American writer and educator who lived from 1860 to 1952. He was known for his works on English literature and his contributions to the study of Chaucer.

In more recent times, the name Copeland has been used as a given name, often inspired by its connection to nature and geography. One notable figure with this first name is Copeland Smith, an American musician and songwriter who was a member of the band Shinedown.

Another individual with the first name Copeland is Copeland Smythe, an American actor and playwright who lived from 1908 to 1998. He was known for his contributions to the theater and his work in television and film.

While the name Copeland has its origins in Old English, it has transcended its original meaning and gained a unique identity as a given name, carried by individuals from various walks of life throughout history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Copeland was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Copeland, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!