Hooper is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the occupational surname Hooper, which was originally given to a maker or seller of hoops, which were used to give shape to barrels, pails, and other containers.
The name Hooper first appeared in England during the Middle Ages, but it was not common as a given name until the 19th century. In the United States, Hooper became more popular in the mid-20th century, likely due to its use as a surname among American families.
There is no specific meaning or symbolism associated with the name Hooper beyond its occupational origin. However, it is often associated with the character Quint Hooper from the classic film "Jaws," played by actor Robert Shaw. This fictional character may have contributed to the name's increased visibility and popularity in popular culture.
Today, Hooper remains a relatively rare given name, but it continues to be used as a surname throughout the English-speaking world. It is often associated with a strong work ethic and practicality, reflecting its occupational roots. Overall, Hooper is a distinctive and memorable name that carries a unique historical significance.
The name Hooper has seen a varied number of births over the years in the United States. Between 1914 and 2023, there have been a total of 116 babies named Hooper born in the U.S. The highest number of Hoopers were born in 2022 with nine births that year. This was also an unusual occurrence as it's not common for such a specific name to experience multiple births in consecutive years, let alone nine in one year.
Prior to this recent spike, there had been a steady decline in the number of babies named Hooper over time. From 1914 to 2016, the annual births ranged from five to eight babies per year. However, starting from 2017 onwards, we've seen an increase again with six births each year until reaching nine in 2022.
These statistics demonstrate how trends in naming can fluctuate over time and across generations. Despite being relatively uncommon compared to more popular names like Emma or Liam, the name Hooper has managed to maintain a steady presence among American newborns since at least 1914. It will be interesting to observe whether this recent uptick continues into future years or if it was simply an anomaly in our current era of unique and distinctive baby names.