Surname Kopperschläger - Meaning and Origin
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Kopperschläger: What does the surname Kopperschläger mean?
The last name Kopperschläger is a German name, made up of two words, “Kopf” meaning head and “Schläger” meaning striker or player. The name happens to have an occupational origin, referring to someone who was either a head striker or a strong man of the trade such as a cooper or a hammerman.
Coopers were craftsmen responsible for the production and repair of barrels and casks used to store and transport various goods, most notably beer. Traditionally, a cooper necessary strength to build the staves and hoops, leaving the Kopperschläger name to suggest that the bearers of the name were particularly strong and capable. Alternatively, the name may also mean the person was a master of the hammer craft, as in a blacksmith or farrier.
Although the name originated centuries ago, Kopperschläger can still often be found in Germany and the surrounding countries today. As with all surnames, it has been altered over the years, with some versions including omitting the umlaut above the 'a' in Schläger, and other variants ranging from Kopperschlager to Kopperschlegel, though all of these variants are pronounced the same and still refer to a skilled striker or craftsman.
Order DNA origin analysisKopperschläger: Where does the name Kopperschläger come from?
The last name Kopperschläger is a very uncommon last name today. It is believed to be most common in some parts of Germany and Austria, though it has been found in other parts of Europe, including Bulgaria and the Netherlands. In Germany, Kopperschläger is most often found in the southern regions, specifically in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
Kopperschläger is believed to have first originated in the Hessen region of Germany. Records from Medieval Germany show that it was used as an occupational surname by those who were blacksmiths or metal workers. The name Kopperschläger is derived from two words in old German, "Koppen" (to hammer) and "schlagen" (to strike).
The last name Kopperschläger is very rare today in comparison to other surnames, but the few who still bear this name tend to have a strong sense of identity that can be traced back to their tradesman ancestors.
Variations of the surname Kopperschläger
The exact spelling of the surname Kopperschläger is usually subject to regional variation. All counterparts typically have the same origin: the Germanic word for cooper (barrel maker). In Germany, variants are likely to be of the form Kopperschläger, Kopperschalger, Kopperschlaeg, Kopperchläger, Kupperchläger, Kupperschläger, Kopperschlager, Köperchläger, and Köperschläger. Also, certain regions may spell the name with two P’s as in Koppersschläger.
In Austria, the spelling may change to Kopperschlegel, Kopperschlegl, Kopperschlägel, Koppeschlägel, Koppschlägel, Koppchenlägel, Koppslägel, Koppschlegel, Kopperschlägel, Kuperschlägel, Koppschlägler, and Koppschlegel.
In Switzerland, variations in the name might be observed such as Koppëschlégger, Koppëschlegër, Koppëschligër, Koppëschliggër, Köpschläggër, Köpschelegër, Koppeläggër, Koppelägge, Koppeschlögger, Köpeschläggër, Koppschlégger, and Koppschlegegër.
Surnames of the same origin include Dovell, Dufel, Dovell, Duffel, Dubel, Duffell, Doppel, Doppler, Dupper, and Dupil.
Famous people with the name Kopperschläger
- Ulli Kopperschläger: German Paralympic fencer who won gold medals at the 2016 Rio Games
- Gisela Kopperschläger: German journalist and author
- Ursula Kopperschläger: Austrian interior designer who attended the Vienna Academy of Applied Arts
- Horst Kopperschläger: Austrian physicist and author of numerous academic books
- Ivan Kopperschläger: Czech fashion designer
- Friedrich Kopperschläger: Austrian actor, voice actor, and TV personality
- Sabine Kopperschläger: German artist and graphic designer
- Sebastian Kopperschläger: German snowboarder and Olympic silver medalist
- Georg Kopperschläger: Austrian actor and musician
- Hartmut Kopperschläger: German politician and former member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany