There are approximately 11,919 people named Roper in the UK. Approximately 189 o ut of every million people in the UK are named Roper.
"It is derived from the pre 7th century word "rap", meaning a rope, with where appropriate, the agent suffix "-er", meaning literally "one who does", and occupational for a rope maker. ... The first recorded spelling of the family name in any form is that of Roger Raper, and dated 1219, in the Assize Court Rolls of Yorkshire, during the reign of King Henry 111rd, 1216 - 1272." The Internet Surname Database