Harper Name Meaning
Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Harper.Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottAlthough it has long existed as a surname, Harper has gained popularity as a first name since the early 2000s. Derived from the word “harp,” referring to the musical stringed instrument, Harper means “someone who plays the harp.” During medieval times, noblemen and lords often employed musicians in their households for entertainment, including harp players. Talented harpers were one of the most important figures in medieval homes. Under ancient Irish law, the fingernails of the harpist were protected, due to the elegance of the music they could create with their hands. Origin: The name harper has English, Scottish, and Irish origins.Gender: Harper is most commonly used as a girl name although it is also used as a boy name.Pronunciation: HAAR-pr
Editor's NoteAlthough baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It is important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.
How Popular Is the Name Harper?Harper follows the trend of surnames evolving into popular first names. The name first surfaced in the Social Security Administration's list of top 1,000 girl names in 2004. It ranked as No. 887 upon its initial appearance and by 2023, Harper ranked as the No. 11 girl’s name in the US.Harper made its biggest leap between 2005 and 2006 when it jumped 233 places. It steadily increased in popularity in the following years until it broke top 10 status, when it peaked in popularity in 2018 and 2019 at No. 9 on the ranking.Though Harper is sometimes used as a boy name, it is not nearly as sought after for boys as it is for girls. As a boy name, Harper entered the charts as No. 683 in 1905. However, by 1907 it had slipped out of the list of top 1,000 most popular names for boys and didn't reappear until almost 100 years later. Harper peaked as a boy name in 2012 when it ranked No. 606.The name Harper was made popular with fictional characters in TV shows such as Lost, Girl Meets World, Gossip Girl, and Wizards of Waverly Place. The name may have also started trending with a resurgence of interest in author Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird. Her second novel,Go Set a Watchman, was published in 2015. Name VariationsThe following are variations of the name Harper:HarporHarpourHarpurHarpSimilar NamesSimilar sounding names to Harper include:AmberHarborHarlowHazelHeatherParkerPiperRyderTaylorOther Scottish names include:AnsleyBlairElspethFionaIsla LeanaLornaSkyeOther names starting with "H" include:HannahHattieHazelHarrietHayleyHeatherHeavenHelenHollyHopeSuggested Sibling NamesLooking for a sibling name for Harper? Here are some popular options:AidenBrodyCadenColinKaitlynKennedyReaganRileySawyerShannonFamous People Named HarperAlthough Harper was traditionally a surname, it has become popoular as a first name. Celebrities have taken a liking to the name as well. Stars like David Spade, Lisa Marie Presley, Neil Patrick Harris, and Victoria Beckham have all chosen the name Harper for their kids. Famous HarpersHarper Goff, American artist, musician, and actor who contributed to many Disney projects including early renderings and concept art for DisneylandHarper LeBel, former football player who played for the NFLHarper Lee, American novelist best known for her 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird, which won the Pulitzer Price and became a classic of modern American literatureHarper Simon, American singer-songwriter whose music has been featured on shows and films, and who is the son of Paul SimonFictional HarpersHarper Avery, namesake of the Harper Avery Award and grandfather of character Jackson Avery in Grey's AnatomyHarper Connelly, title character who possesses supernatural abilities from The Harper Connelly Mysteries novels by Charlaine HarrisHarper Dearing, businessman-turned-terrorist and the main antagonist in the 9th and 10th seasons of NCIS Harper Decker Simmons, character with high achiever syndrome in the family comedy film Parental GuidanceHarper Pitt, character in the Pulitzer Prize winning play Angels in America Harper Finkle, character in the Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place who is the best friend of the show’s main characterHarper Lee Burgess, character in the sitcom Girl Meets World who plays a friendly and eager new teacher not afraid to do what she feels is rightHarper Stanhope, character in Lost who played a therapist as part of the OthersHarper, one of two twin sisters who appear in the anime series Pokémon Sun and Moon More Baby NamesStill searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options:Top 1,000 Baby Girl Names in the US100 Celtic Baby Names100 Irish Baby Names
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