Surname Hooper - Meaning and Origin
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Tracing Surname 'Hooper': A Genomic Journey Across Cultures and History
The iGENEA DNA test unveiled the fascinating journey of the Hooper lineage, tracing its roots from Anglo-Saxon Britain to various global regions. From being barrel-makers in medieval Britain, the migration narrative of Hooper ancestors displayed a rich blend of genetics, culture, and history spanning across Western Europe, Scandinavia, and the Middle East.
C. Hooper
read moreHooper: What does the surname Hooper mean?
The surname Hooper is of English origin and is occupational, derived from the Middle English word "hoop", meaning a craftsman who makes hoops for barrels, casks, and tubs. These hoops were often made of wood or metal and were essential for maintaining the structure and strength of the barrel. Therefore, a person who had this occupation was known as a "hooper." The profession was highly specialized and skilled, as the hoops had to fit precisely around the barrels to keep them tightly sealed. This occupation was prevalent in the medieval period when barrels were the primary means of storing and transporting goods. The name Hooper may also have been used as a nickname for someone who played the hoop game, which was popular during the Middle Ages. Therefore, the surname Hooper generally signifies a person who either worked as a hoop maker or liked to play hoop games. Today, it is a common last name in many English-speaking countries.
Order DNA origin analysisHooper: Where does the name Hooper come from?
The surname Hooper originates from pre-seventh century Old English, derived from the term "hoop," meaning to bind or tie. A Hooper was a professional cooper or a barrel maker.
The name can be traced back to England and is particularly associated with the South West counties, such as Somerset and Devon. Its earliest recorded instance appears in the late 11th century. As of 1891 census, most Hooper families resided in Cornwall, England.
The surname Hooper is global now due to migration over the centuries. However, it is most prevalent in the United States, with over 76,000 individuals bearing the name, making it the 366th most common surname in the country. The name is also common in England, Australia, and Canada. The largest population of Hooper families in 1880 was found in the USA, with a significant number also found in the UK, and Canada.
Variations of the name Hooper depend on different regions and cultures, including Hooupper, Hooper, Hoopper, and many more. While it started as an occupational surname, now it does not hold any specific professional connotation and is used merely as an identifying name.
Variations of the surname Hooper
The surname Hooper has various forms that have evolved over time or have been used in different regions. Some variations of Hooper include Hoper, Hoopper, Hoopere, Hoope, Hoop, Hoopar, Hoapper, and Hoepner. There are also different spellings due to regional dialects and phonetic spelling during the era when literacy was not widespread. These include Hoopar, Hooper, Hoapar, Hupar, Hoper, and Hoepere.
Surnames that may share the same origin as Hooper are those related to the occupation of barrel making, since "Hooper" is derived from an Old English term for a person who makes hoops for barrels. These may include the surnames Cooper, Kuper, and Hoepner.
It is also important to note that different families with the surname Hooper could have different origins, so not all Hoopers will share the same genealogy or family history. Variants and spellings of a surname can often provide clues about a family's history and movements, but they can also sometimes lead to confusion if assumed to always indicate a direct relation.
Famous people with the name Hooper
- Meghan Markle: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, née Rachel Meghan Markle, is an American-born member of the British royal family and a former actress.
- Samuel Hooper: Samuel Hooper was a 19th-century American politician and businessman who served in the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts from 1851 to 1861.
- Frances Hooper: Frances Hooper was an English composer during the Romantic era.
- Richard Hooper: Richard Hooper CB is a British telecoms regulator and former civil servant.
- Steve Hooper: Steve Hooper is an English actor and director who has appeared on stage, television, and radio.
- Vic Hooper: Vic Hooper is an American country music artist, who has charted several singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs) charts.
- Dana Hooper: Dana Hooper is a former American basketball player who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics.
- Andrew Hooper: Andrew Hooper is an Australian Paralympic swimmer who specialises in backstroke and freestyle events.
- Richard G. Hooper: Richard G. Hooper was the Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 1981 to 1986.
- Gorden Hooper: Gorden Hooper is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played 8 games in the National Hockey League for the Winnipeg Jets.