Cooper is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #254 in 1998 with 1,177 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 7,472 births ranking #27. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 76.2%. In 1998, approximately 1 in every 1,624 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.