Clan Cooper
Clan Cooper (Cooper Tartan)
Crest: Cooper, Scotland, a dexter arm embowed, holding in the hand a battle-axe ppr. Pour ma patrie
Motto: Pour Ma Patrie (For my Country)
Origin of Name: Occupational, also territorial
Region: Lowlands
Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan
1. Cooper Clan History
The Scottish surname Cooper has deep roots, stemming from both occupation and location. Originally, it referred to the skilled craft of barrel-making, known as ‘coopering’, which was vital for keeping containers like kegs and barrels watertight. The name also has ties to Cupar, the burgh nestled in Fife.
Derived from the Anglo-Saxon terms ‘couper’ or ‘cowper’, the surname Cooper was associated with those who repaired barrels, buckets, and casks during the Middle Ages. It was a respected profession, showcasing the importance of skilled trades in medieval Europe.
Records indicate that the name Cooper was in use before 1400, likely spelled as ‘Couper’ in Middle English. Some suggest its origins might trace back to Dutch roots, with ‘Kuiper’ or ‘Coper’ meaning a buyer or merchant.
In Scottish clans, the surname Cooper is linked with Clan MacDuff, counted among their septs. The name has been documented in Fife since the thirteenth century, with mentions of individuals like Selomone de Coupir witnessing charters as early as 1245.
Variations in spelling—Coupar, Couper, Cowper, and Cooper—are found across Scotland, particularly prevalent in Fife and extending into the Highlands, Orkney, and Aberdeenshire regions.
This widespread distribution reflects the significance of the Cooper surname throughout Scottish history and geography.
1.1 CUPAR, FIFE
Cupar, located in Fife, has historical significance as the seat of the MacDuff Earls of Fife. The castle in the town dates back to the 12th century, serving as a stronghold for the influential MacDuff family.
1.2 CUPAR’S IN ABERDEEN – 13TH CENTURY
In Scotland, the Cooper surname has deep roots, particularly in the northeast, around Aberdeenshire. Historical records showcase its presence throughout the region's history.
For instance, in the late 13th century, a John Cupar was noted as holding lands in the area. Symon Coupare, hailing from Berwickshire, showed allegiance to Edward I of England in 1296.
Further evidence of the surname's prominence emerges over the centuries. Thomas de Cupro served as Canon of St Andrews in 1406, while Finla Couper of Belnakeill, Atholl, faced penalties for harboring outlawed members of Clan Gregor in 1618.
Families bearing the Cooper name have left enduring legacies in various Scottish locales. In Clatt, one lineage traces back to 1690, while another in Old Deer boasts a heritage dating to 1799. These historical connections underscore the enduring significance of the Cooper surname in Scottish culture and heritage.
1.3 COUPERS AT CASTLE GOGAR – 17TH CENTURY
Castle Gogar, located in Edinburgh, stands as an A-Listed Scottish Baronial L-plan mansion, crafted in 1625 by architect William Ayton. The visionary behind its creation was John Couper, whose father acquired the estate in 1601 from the Logans of Restalrig.
Before the Couper family's ownership, the lands of Gogar witnessed the stewardship of notable Scottish clans, including the Setons and the Halyburtons.
In 1638, John Couper's contributions earned him the prestigious title of Baronet of Nova Scotia. Tragically, his life met an untimely end in 1640 during the tumultuous Covenanting period, marked by the 'Bishops' Wars', when he perished in the explosion that razed Douglas Castle.
The Couper legacy extended beyond Castle Gogar, as evidenced by one of Sir John’s sons who established roots in Dumbartonshire. This lineage flourished, giving rise to the esteemed Coupers of Banheath in Dumbartonshire, Failford, and Smeithston in Ayrshire, and Ballindalloch in West Stirlingshire.
2. Cooper Clan Tartans
Not much information is available about the Cooper tartan, except that it was part of the collection of James Cant M.A., who passed away in 1960.
Threadcount B/18 P16 R8 G104 B16 G8 B16 K40 P16 B8 P16 G32 B4 K4 B88 P16 B8 R/8
Cooper Ancient
3. Clan Cooper Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Cooper Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A dexter arm embowed, holding in the hand a battle-axe, Proper
4. Clan Cooper Places & People
4.1 Clan Cooper People
Thomas Mackay Cooper, 1st Baron Cooper of Culross (24 September 1892 – 15 July 1955)
Thomas Mackay Cooper, 1st Baron Cooper of Culross, portrayed by Walter Stoneman in 1937, is featured in the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Thomas Cooper, hailing from a lineage of engineers and rooted in Edinburgh, embodied a multifaceted career as a lawyer, politician, judge, and historian. Born in 1892 to John Cooper, a distinguished civil engineer, and Margaret Mackay, young Thomas embarked on his educational journey at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh.
His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a degree in Law at the esteemed University of Edinburgh.
Following his academic pursuits, Cooper embarked on a remarkable legal career. Joining the esteemed Faculty of Advocates in 1915 marked the beginning of his legal ascent. By 1927, his prowess in the legal realm was acknowledged with the prestigious title of King’s Counsel.
Cooper’s foray into politics saw him representing the Edinburgh West constituency as a Conservative MP from 1935 to 1941.
During this tenure, he donned multiple hats, serving as Solicitor General for Scotland, subsequently ascending to the esteemed position of Lord Advocate, and earning the title of Privy Counsellor.
By 1941, Cooper's judicial journey reached new heights as he assumed the role of Lord Justice Clerk, ranking as the second most eminent judge in Scotland. His judicial acumen earned him the revered title of Lord Cooper.
A pivotal moment came in 1947 when Thomas Cooper ascended to the pinnacle of Scotland’s legal hierarchy, being appointed as Lord President of the Court of Session, the highest judicial position in the land.
Years of dedicated service and judicial excellence marked Cooper's tenure until his voluntary resignation in 1954. Post-retirement, he was bestowed with the title of Baron Cooper of Culross, ascending to the peerage.
However, his illustrious journey concluded prematurely with his passing in 1955 at the age of 62, marking the end of an era in Scotland’s legal landscape.
5. Associated Names
Cooper, as a surname, has dual origins in Scottish culture, reflecting either an ancestral occupation or a specific geographic association.
An individual bearing this surname may trace their lineage to skilled barrel makers, reflecting the occupational aspect. Alternatively, their roots may be tied to locales such as Cupar in Fife or the historic settlement near the Abbey of Coupar in Angus.
Clan MacDuff recognizes Cooper as one of their septs, particularly prevalent in regions like Fife, Lothian, Strathbran, and Strathbogie, all within MacDuff territory.
Embracing the rich heritage of the clan, individuals with the Cooper surname are welcomed to don the MacDuff tartan and proudly display the Clan Crest as a symbol of their affiliation.
Name variations include: Coopper, Cooperman, Copper, Coupar, Cowper and Cupper.