Surname Kiper - Meaning and Origin
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Kiper: What does the surname Kiper mean?
The last name Kiper is of German-Jewish origin. It is derived from the German word "kipp" which means lid or as a verb, it means to tilt or tip. Historically, the name was used to denote someone who was an itinerant peddler with a basket or box on a stick, which they would tilt from side to side as they walked. As the name developed, it became associated with a number of occupations, including traders, merchants, and bakers. It has also been suggested that the name may have derived from the Yiddish word "kiper" which means bargain.
Due to the occupations associated with the name, Kiper has long been a common name in the Jewish community, originally in Europe and then in the United States and other parts of the world. The name is still seen as having strong Jewish associations, although its link with the peddling is often forgotten.
For many Kiper families, the name has held a special place, representing generations of hard work and surviving in the face of adversity. Kiper is a reminder of how people of the Jewish faiths have faced persecution and still managed to keep their heritage alive.
Order DNA origin analysisKiper: Where does the name Kiper come from?
The last name Kiper is most commonly found within the United States. Specific states where an above-average concentration of people with the Kiper last name lives include Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
As of the 2020 US Census, the number of people with the last name Kiper across the country was recorded at 8,641. About 6,700 of them (77%) lived in the aforementioned states. Indiana had the most, with 1,350 Kipers. The state of Ohio had 1,205, Pennsylvania had 620, New York had 521, Michigan had 454, Illinois had 384, Iowa had 351, and Wisconsin had 350.
The number of Kipers has slowly increased over the past twenty years. In 2000, the top 8 states only had 4,043 Kipers between them, which is half of the current population.
In terms of occupations, Kipers tend to work in sales, office and administrative support, production, and management. It has also been noted that they are particularly well-represented in health diagnosing and treating professions.
In terms of ethnicity, most Kipers are White (98%), with small percentages of Hispanic, Native American, and Asian (Korean) being the other reported family roots.
Variations of the surname Kiper
The surname Kiper is derived from the German, Dutch, Polish and Jewish surnames Kipper and Küper.
In German, the surname Kipper originated from the Middle High German word “kupeer” or “kupeerin” and eventually evolved into “Kipper.” The meaning of this surname is “a bull driver” referring to someone who drives bulls or cattle and it is associated with butchers. Kipper was usually used as a nickname for a butcher by German-speaking people.
In Dutch, the surname Kipper emerged from the old Dutch word “koepeer” and is linked to the Middle High German word mentioned above. Coeper originated as a topographical name for someone who lived near or worked around a street corner or by a market.
In Polish, the surname Kiper had its origins in the word “krajowiec” which means “native.” This surname was common among people who immigrated from Hungary. The Jewish Kiper surname, on the other hand, probably originated from the German and Dutch surname mentioned before.
Kiper is the original and most common spelling of this surname, although there are several other variants and spellings due to language and spelling variations. Common variants are Kyper, Kueper, Kueper, Kipper, Küper, Kuepper, Kueppers, Kieper, Keper and Kupper.
Surnames derived from the same origin as Kiper include Kappar, Kipperman, Kyperman, Kieperman, Kapperman, Kupperman, Kuppermann, Kopperman, Koppermann, Kappar and Koppar.
Famous people with the name Kiper
- Mel Kiper Jr.: Mel Kiper Jr. is an American football analyst, draft analyst and author for ESPN. He is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable and well-respected personalities in the NFL, and has been featured on ESPN's draft coverage since 1984.
- Guy Kiper: Guy Kiper is a French professional cyclist who is currently part of the Direct Energie team. He has been a professional since 2014, and has competed in numerous races, including the Tour de France.
- Meghan Kiper: Meghan Kiper is an American actress, model and fashion designer. She has had roles in several popular television series, including Gilmore Girls and CSI: Miami. She has also launched her own fashion label, MK Designs.
- Zachery Kiper: Zachery Kiper is an actor, known for his roles in the films Jurassic World, Money Monster and The Mummy. He is also the founder of the 1Take Project, a platform for young actors to collaborate and showcase their work.
- Garrett Kiper: Garrett Kiper is an American professional snowboarder who has represented the US in the Winter Olympic Games on multiple occasions. He has also won multiple X Games medals in slopestyle snowboarding.