Find out how popular the first name Kooper has been for the last 34 years (from 1990 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kooper by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Kooper is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 91% of people named Kooper being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 213 male babies and 16 female babies born with the name Kooper.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 16 baby girls were named Kooper in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Kooper

The name Kooper is believed to have its origins in the Dutch language, stemming from the occupation of a cooper, which is a person who makes and repairs wooden casks, barrels, and tubs. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when the craft of cooperage was an essential trade in many European towns and villages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kooper dates back to the 15th century, when a cooper named Jan Kooper was mentioned in archival records from the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands. This suggests that the name was already in use as both a surname and a given name during that time period.

In the following centuries, the name Kooper continued to be used throughout the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking regions. It was sometimes spelled as Koper or Kuper, but the meaning remained the same, referring to the occupation of a cooper.

One notable figure in history who bore the name Kooper was Pieter Kooper, a Dutch painter who lived in the 17th century. He was known for his still-life paintings and landscapes, and his works can be found in various museums across Europe.

Another historical figure with the name Kooper was Johann Kooper, a German composer and organist who lived in the 18th century. He composed several works for the organ and was highly regarded in his time.

In the 19th century, a Dutch explorer named Jacobus Kooper embarked on several expeditions to the East Indies, now known as Indonesia. His journals and accounts of his travels provide valuable insights into the region's geography and culture during that period.

Moving into the 20th century, Hendrik Kooper was a Dutch politician who served as a member of the Dutch parliament from 1925 to 1946. He was a prominent figure in the Dutch Labor Party and played a role in shaping the country's policies during the interwar years and the early post-war period.

While the name Kooper has its roots in the Dutch language and culture, it has also been adopted and used in other parts of the world, particularly in areas with Dutch influence or settlement. However, its origins and historical significance remain closely tied to the Netherlands and the craft of cooperage.

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 Kooper was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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