Shoup (surname)

The surname Shoup is of Germanic origin. It is generally considered to be a variant spelling of the surname Schupp, itself derived from the Middle High German word "schuppe," meaning "scale" or "flake." This could have been an occupational name for someone who made scales (as in weighing scales), or a nickname referring to a physical characteristic, such as flaky skin.

The surname is found primarily in the United States, and its presence there reflects German immigration to North America, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Over time, variations in spelling, pronunciation, and transcription led to the emergence of Shoup as a recognized surname.

Early instances of related surnames, such as Schupp, can be found in historical records within German-speaking regions. Genealogists researching the Shoup surname often consider variations such as Schupp, Shupe, and Shope when tracing family histories.