Show ContentsCoppynger History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Coppynger was carried to England in the enormous movement of people that followed the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Coppynger family lived in Suffolk which is derived from the Old English copp, a word for the top or summit of a hill, and indicates someone who lived in such a place. Another reference presumes that the name was derived from the word "coppin," which was a "piece of yarn taken from a spindle." 1 The Suffolk expression "To live like a Coppinger, points to the wealth and hospitality of a family of this name who flourished in the 16th and 17th century at Buxhall." 1

Early Origins of the Coppynger family

The surname Coppynger was first found in Suffolk where they held a family seat from very early times. Records from the year 1290 showed Greffrey Coppinger and Walter Coppinger in Waketown, Norfolk. Roger Coppinger of Waketun is listed in Norfolk in that same era, in the Rotuli Hundredorum. Other early records of the name include Seman Copinger, listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Suffolk in 1327; William Copenger listed in the Feet of Fines of Suffolk in 1383; and William Copynger, listed in the Feet of Fines of Essex in 1489. 2

Early History of the Coppynger family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Coppynger research. Another 180 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1319, 1411, 1412, 1415, 1416, 1436, 1503, 1512, 1513, 1532, 1547, 1583, 1592, 1603, 1604, 1621, 1626, 1646, 1659, 1675 and 1797 are included under the topic Early Coppynger History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Coppynger Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Coppinger, Coppenger, Copenger, Copinger, Coppynger, Copinsher and many more.

Early Notables of the Coppynger family

Notables of this surname at this time include: William Copinger (d. 1436), who became the parson (rector) of Buxhall in 1416. He was a member of a family settled at Buxhall, Suffolk. His will is dated 20 Jan. 1411-1412, and was proved on 2 March 1415-1416. He was buried at Buxhall. 3 Sir Ralph Copinger, of Suffolk, was knighted on the battlefield at on Muckleburgh, in 1547, fighting against the Scots. John Coppin or Copping (d. 1583), was a Brownist, who lived in Bury St. Edmunds. He enthusiastically accepted the teachings of Robert Browne; preached Browne's doctrines in his native town...
Another 195 words (14 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Coppynger Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Coppynger family to Ireland

Some of the Coppynger family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 65 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Coppynger family

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Coppynger or a variant listed above: Matthew Coppinger, who arrived in Barbados in 1675; John Coppinger who came to Barbados in 1680; a Mrs. Copinsher, who arrived in Boston in 1744; James Copinger, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1808.



  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


Houseofnames.com on Facebook