Cooper is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #284 in 2011 with 157 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 493 births ranking #105. In 2011, approximately 1 in every 2,203 boys born was named Cooper. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Cooper is an English occupational surname name meaning "barrel maker". Its friendly, capable sound has made it one of the most successful modern surname names for boys.
The name moved from job-title surname to mainstream first name in the modern period. Its rise reflects the same pattern that made Carter, Mason, and Parker popular.