Copinger History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought much change to the island nation, including many immigrants with new names. Among these immigrants were the ancestors of the Copinger family, who 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 Copinger familyThe surname Copinger 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 Copinger familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Copinger 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 Copinger History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Copinger Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Copinger were recorded, including Coppinger, Coppenger, Copenger, Copinger, Coppynger, Copinsher and many more. Early Notables of the Copinger familyNotables of this surname at this time include:
Migration of the Copinger family to IrelandSome of the Copinger family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Copinger arrived in North America very early: Copinger Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
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