Copner History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The origins of the Anglo-Saxon name Copner come from its first bearer, who was a lover or sweetheart. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English word copiner, which means lover.

Early Origins of the Copner family

The surname Copner was first found in Devon where they held a family seat. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name flourished in Devon for more than six centuries. One of the first to be recorded was Richard Copener in that shire in 1242.

Early History of the Copner family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Copner research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Copner History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Copner Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Copner has been spelled many different ways, including Copner, Cobner, Coppener, Copenere, Capenor and others.

Early Notables of the Copner family

Distinguished members of the family include

Copners of Devon

Copner migration to Canada +

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Copners to arrive in North America:

Copner Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Thomas Copner, who was recorded in a census of 1871 in Toronto

Copner migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Copner Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Thomas Copner, English convict from Gloucester, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on September 3rd, 1820, settling in New South Wales, Australia 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Copner (post 1700) +

Vera Copner Wynne -Edwards (1906-1997), British ethnologist and evolutionary zoologist

The Copner Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Vivitur ingenio
Motto Translation: He lives by skill

Citations +

State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1820 with 192 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1820