Map of Netherlands showing where the Coper arms are recorded
The Coper arms were recorded in Netherlands, c. 1815.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Friesland.
Friesland was low, wet country on the northern coast of the Netherlands, farmed by families who had held the same land for centuries. Free landholders were unusually common there, and a free landholder could carry arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
Region
Friesland
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Coper Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Coper arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Netherlands.
Origin & History of the Coper Family in Netherlands
The family name Coper has deep roots in the northern region of the Netherlands known as Friesland. By the year 1815, official records confirm that members of the family were already established residents in this area. The name itself likely originated as a descriptive occupational surname, as the word "coper" is an archaic Dutch term for a merchant or a trader. During the early nineteenth century, the people of Friesland were known for their strong focus on agriculture and maritime trade, which provided a practical environment for a family of merchants to thrive. As the Netherlands underwent significant political changes during the Napoleonic era, families were required to formalize their surnames for government census records. This period helped solidify the Coper name as a distinct identity within the Frisian community, marking the transition from local oral traditions to documented family history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Az. on a chev. engr. ar. betw. three cinquefoils pierced erm. two lions pass. sa”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Coper arms are recorded
The Coper arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Netherlands when the Coper arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Coper Family in England
The surname Coper, often appearing as a variant of Cooper, has deep roots in the social and economic fabric of medieval England. The name originated as an occupational title for a craftsman who made and repaired wooden vessels such as barrels, buckets, and tubs. Because these containers were essential for storing and transporting goods like ale, grain, and salted meat, the trade was vital to every local community. By the time the family was firmly established in York in 1620, the name had already transitioned from a simple job description into a permanent hereditary surname. During this period, the city of York served as a major center for trade and industry, providing a stable environment for families to grow and pass down their craft through generations. The presence of the Coper family in such a bustling northern hub suggests they were likely integrated into the city’s active guild system, which organized labor and maintained high standards for professional tradesmen.
Coper Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
koper
The Dutch word for the metal copper.
This name
CoperAn occupational name for a copper smith or a merchant dealing in copper goods.
also spelled
Copper
Koper
Cooper
Copar
Related arms
Coppervariant spelling
Kopervariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Tresoar (Fries Historisch en Letterkundig Centrum), Bevolkingsregisters van Friesland (1811-1825)
Van der Aa, A.J., Aardrijkskundig Woordenboek der Nederlanden, 1840
Centraal Bureau voor Genealogie, Nederlandse Familienamen Databank, 2023
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
handFaith, sincerity and justice
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
handFaith, sincerity and justice
cinquefoilHope and joy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
