Cope History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Ireland 


The earliest origins of the Cope surname date from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name reveals that an early member was a person who habitually wore a long cloak or cape. The surname Cope is derived from the Old English word cope, which emerged about 1225 and comes from the Old English word cape, which refers to a cloak or cape.

Early Origins of the Cope family

The surname Cope was first found in Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire where the family "appear in the character of civil servants of the crown in the reign of Richard II and Henry IV, and were rewarded with large grants of land." 1 The held family seats at Hardwick and Hanwell, both in the neighbourhood of Banbury. 1

Another source claims "Staffordshire is the home of the Copes, who are most numerous in the district of Stoke - on - Trent. In the reign of Charles II., Jonathan Cope, of Rauton Abbey, was High Sheriff for the county. The name is also represented in Cheshire and Derbyshire. The ancestors of the line of baronets of this name seem to hail originally from Oxfordshire. In the 13th century the name was established in Bucks, Beds, London, Suffolk, Norfolk, Lincolnshire." 2

Early History of the Cope family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cope research. Another 59 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1549, 1551, 1557, 1578, 1588, 1601, 1604, 1614, 1632, 1660, 1675, 1690, 1745, 1760 and 1797 are included under the topic Early Cope History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cope Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Cope are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Cope include: Cope, Coap, Coape, Copes and others.

Early Notables of the Cope family

Distinguished members of the family include

Cope Ranking

In the United States, the name Cope is the 1,539th most popular surname with an estimated 19,896 people with that name. 3 However, in the United Kingdom, the name Cope is ranked the 722nd most popular surname with an estimated 9,276 people with that name. 4

Migration of the Cope family to Ireland

Some of the Cope family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 46 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Cope migration to the United States +

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Cope or a variant listed above:

Cope Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Cope Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Cope Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Cope migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Cope Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Cope migration to Australia +

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

Cope Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Cope migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Cope Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Cope migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 15
Cope Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
Cope Settlers in West Indies in the 18th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Cope (post 1700) +


The Cope 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: Aequo adeste animo
Motto Translation: Be present with mind unchangeable.


Suggested Readings for the name Cope +
Fastest Delivery Possible

Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day

Money Back Guarantee

Yes, all products 100% Guraranteed

BBB A+ Rating

The Best Rating possible

Secure Online Payment

Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate