First, a confession: it’s my maiden name. And while I’ve encountered exactly one in real life and I thought it was sort of awkward as a first name. (Shocker: it was his mother’s maiden name.) So even though I am all about upholding that sacred Southern tradition of saddling a son with mom’s maiden name, I’ve never actually considered it a viable first name.
But now some musician I’m not really familiar with has used it for his son and [name]Tom[/name] [name]Arnold[/name] has it in the middle spot. Is this a thing? Is it going somewhere? Or is it just coincidence?
Anyone here ever encountered a Copeland? What would you think of it as a first name?
Copeland would be a wonderful name for the middle spot so you can honour your family heritage. I can’t imagine it as a first name. If it was awkward for the Copeland that you knew, I don’t think time would diminish this impression.
I like Copeland. I imagine the musician was honoring [name]Aaron[/name] Copland or something… I can’t see it becoming popular. Yes, “Cope” is a terrible nickname, but I think Copeland is wearable.
I do wonder if it would feel strange to hear your maiden name as a first name all the time… I have a maiden name that’s also a masculine surname (think [name]David[/name] Rappaport in Time Bandits) and I thought about using it as a boy’s name but decided that I’d feel like a coach calling my son by a surname.
Och, I adore Copeland! I had a former friend who nearly used Copeland on a son of hers–she was planning on using Copeland nn [name]Cole[/name]. A bit of a stretch, but still doable, imo. I had never thought of it before I met her, but now I adore it. Plus, it holds a special place in my heart because I am a pianist and [name]Aaron[/name] Copland’s “Simple Gifts” was one of the first pieces I learned on the piano. I think it also makes a really handsome MN–I love the combo [name]Joshua[/name] Copeland, for example.
I agree, I can’t see Copeland really even entering the top 1000, but it’s nice that it’s getting a bit of attention. You’re lucky to have such an awesome, usable surname!
There was this guy named [name]Rex[/name] Copeland. He was a college debater and he was murdered by his debate coach when he announced he was going to quit debate. Now, there’s an award - an EXTREMELY prestigious award (like seriously, if I got to touch it I would pee my little debating pants) - called the Copeland.
That’s what I think of.
I think it works best as a middle name, not my favorite as a first name but it could work.
To me though, it reminds me of my profession in the mental health field. There is a famous (among social services) centre called “The Copeland Centre for Wellness” which promotes mental health wellness and recovery. Obviously the majority of people have not heard of this association, but that is where my mind first went when I heard it.
I think it’s fine in either spot, though just personally I would prefer it as a mn. I did just test it out on a friend right now (I like to get non-name nerd opinions on names as I have to remind myself that my children will not live in a world populated solely by Berries. Ha ha) When I asked him what he thought he said “Hmmm…I feel like I would want to call him Opie”…so there’s that for what it’s worth.
The tradition is a beautiful one, and worth maintaining. It won’t be front and center, so it’s ok if most people don’t consider it as ‘name-ish.’ Plus, when people ask him about his middle name he’ll always have a meaningful explanation for it.
Thanks, all, for your input. My question was more hypothetical than personal, but I’m fascinated by the very decisive for-and-against positions and the reasoning behind them.
Copeland is an awesome first or middle name! The bad? Cope would quickly become his nn (which I actually love the sound of) and Cope reminds me of Copenhagen. Soooo I don’t think I could use it unless there was a way to avoid Cope becoming his nn.
I think it also makes a really handsome MN–I love the combo [name]Joshua[/name] Copeland, for example.