The Roper Name And Connections
Over the years,
family names have often changed and mutated. The surname
'Roper' is no exception and has been written in a variety of
ways throughout the centuries. A simple explanation would be
that Roper was applied to people that made ropes where the
base material was from the rape plant. Consequently Raper was
changed to Roper. Alternative evidence shows a line of mutation
from 'Musard' (probably of Norman descent) to Rubra Spatha,
Rospear, Rouspee, Ropere, Roeper, Rooper and finally Roper'.
Today, some modern Roper lines have opted to use the surname
Roeper or Rooper.
In the fourteenth century, the most famous 'Baron Teynham' Roper family from Kent was in jeopardy: John Roper had single issue with a daughter 'Isolda', and no other Roper males were available to continue the title. This was solved when Isolda married 'Richard Fourneaux'. He declared a covenant stating that any issue will forsake its paternal name and assume that of 'Roper' and descend the Barons Teynham, thus retaining the Roper name and title.
Succeeding generations of this Rooper/Roper family prospered and members were assigned and rewarded with considerable roles of influence within the nation. In 1603, John Roper was knighted, and then in 1616, he was advanced to the dignity of 'Baron of the Realm' by the title of 'Lord Teynham', which continues to this day.
DNA technology and further research, has established a creditable link between my family and 16th century 'William and Margaret Roper'. William's family being the Kent Ropers and Margaret being the famous daughter of Sir Thomas More.
We know about our immediate Roper family back to the early 1800s. Here we find a farming family in Dorset, England. Evidence portrays a strong and supportive family group within a comfortable rural setting. They appeared to be educated, have good business skills and held responsibility within the local Church.
Sources:
The Roper Family (1960, The Research Publishing Company, London - reproduced from an old book). The Ropers of Sterling and Rutland, by Ella E. Roper, 1904. Genealogist L.David Roper. Family Tree DNA. Family documents and recollections.
In the fourteenth century, the most famous 'Baron Teynham' Roper family from Kent was in jeopardy: John Roper had single issue with a daughter 'Isolda', and no other Roper males were available to continue the title. This was solved when Isolda married 'Richard Fourneaux'. He declared a covenant stating that any issue will forsake its paternal name and assume that of 'Roper' and descend the Barons Teynham, thus retaining the Roper name and title.
Succeeding generations of this Rooper/Roper family prospered and members were assigned and rewarded with considerable roles of influence within the nation. In 1603, John Roper was knighted, and then in 1616, he was advanced to the dignity of 'Baron of the Realm' by the title of 'Lord Teynham', which continues to this day.
DNA technology and further research, has established a creditable link between my family and 16th century 'William and Margaret Roper'. William's family being the Kent Ropers and Margaret being the famous daughter of Sir Thomas More.
We know about our immediate Roper family back to the early 1800s. Here we find a farming family in Dorset, England. Evidence portrays a strong and supportive family group within a comfortable rural setting. They appeared to be educated, have good business skills and held responsibility within the local Church.
Sources:
The Roper Family (1960, The Research Publishing Company, London - reproduced from an old book). The Ropers of Sterling and Rutland, by Ella E. Roper, 1904. Genealogist L.David Roper. Family Tree DNA. Family documents and recollections.