Chopey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Chopey is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a person noted for enjoying strong drink. The surname Chopey is derived from the Old French word chopine, which was an old medieval measure of liquid; referred to as "the Parisien halfe pint", it was nearly as large as an English pint. In modern times, the Old French word chopiner means to tipple. The surname Chopey may also be a patronymic name derived from the personal name Chopin.

Early Origins of the Chopey family

The surname Chopey was first found in Devon, but we must look to Somerset to find the first recording of the family; for it is there that researchers found John Chopyn was listed 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) 1

The Curia Regis Rolls for Devon in 1219 included an entry for Walter Chopin and later the Assize Rolls for Somerset recorded Henry Choppin in 1280. 2

Early History of the Chopey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chopey research. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1219, 1280, 1327, 1377, 1596, 1597, 1606, 1685, 1781 and 1789 are included under the topic Early Chopey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chopey Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Chopey have been found, including Chopping, Choppin, Chopyn, Chopin, Choppen, Chappington and many more.

Early Notables of the Chopey family

Notables of the family at this time include John Chappington or Chapington (d. 1606), English organ-builder, born at South Molton, Devonshire. "He seems to have built an organ for Westminster Abbey about 1596, when an entry in the churchwardens' accounts of St. Margaret's, Westminster, records that he was paid 13l. 13s. 4d. for the organs of the college...
Another 58 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Chopey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Chopey family to Ireland

Some of the Chopey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Chopey family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Chopey surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: William Choppin who arrived in New York City in 1830.

Citations +

Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)