Origin, Meaning, And History of Harper
The name Harper is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word “harper” or “harpere,” meaning “someone who plays the harp.” A harp is a stringed musical instrument with numerous strings to produce different notes. Harper evolved as a surname in Scotland, England, and Ireland. It is also the Anglicized version of the German family name “harfer,” which means “one who plays the harp.”
During Medieval times, noblemen and members of the aristocratic class used to employ musicians in their households for entertainment. Harp players were the most popular to showcase their talent in large baronial halls. In the Bible and artwork, angels were frequently depicted as using harps for music. Therefore, harps are considered to have angelic qualities.
Harper is a gender-neutral name given to both boys and girls. The adorable name also has several variations across cultures and languages, such as Harpor, Harfer, Harpere, Harpur, and Harpour. Some common nicknames for the name include Arpey, Happy, Har, Harp, Harpy, and Harps.
The name Harper became popular as a first name in recent decades. It jumped from obscurity to popularity as a girl’s name towards the end of the decade.
The name also made an imprint on popular culture. In fiction, Harper has been used both as a surname and a given name. Joe Harper is a fictional character in the 1876 novel ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ by Mark Twain. Joe is depicted as Tom’s best friend, who assists him in every activity. Harper Avary is the surgeon and the grandfather of Jackson Avery in the American drama television series ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ In the American sitcom, ‘Mama’s Family,’ we find the Harper family consisting of Ellen Harper, Naomi Harper, Thelma Harper, and Vint Harper. Several characters with the surname Harper appear in the American sitcom ‘Two And A Half Men’ such as Alan Harper, Charlie Harper, Evelyn Harper, and Jake Harper.
Harper
How To Pronounce Harper?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Harper in English.
Famous People With The Name Harper
- Harper LeeAmerican novelist best known for his novel To Kill A Mockingbird
- Bryce HarperAmerican baseball player
- Thelma HarperAmerican politician and the first African-American Senator
- Valerie HarperAmerican actress best known for her role as Rhoda in The Mary Tylor Moore show
Names With Similar Sound As Harper
If you are a musical person, you will surely be in love with the flow of the name Harper. Here are some top choices for similar-sounding names as Harper.
Popular Sibling Names For Harper
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Harper, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Harper
Find matching brother names for Harper and create a wonderful team of siblings.
HaraprasadHarbeer Harbert Harbir Harbor Harbrinder Hari prasad Hariprasad Hariprasada Hariprasath Girl Sibling Names For Harper
Looking for some suitable sister names for Harper? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
HarieaHarlean Harlene Harlenn Harli Harlie Harly Harmehar Harmonee Harmoni Other Popular Names Beginning With H
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter H to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Harper
If you are looking for more names with similar meanings as Harper, check out the options below.
Infographic: Know The Name Harper‘s Personality As Per Numerology
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How To Communicate The Name Harper In Other Languages
In Nautical Flags
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In Sign Language
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In Braille Alphabet
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In Morse Code
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Name Numerology For Harper
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Harper?
The name Harper means ‘someone who plays the harp.’
2. What is the origin of the name Harper?
Harper has an English origin.
3. Is Harper a royal name?
Harper is not considered to be a royal name. It is an occupational surname. A harper is considered an important individual in the medieval baronial hall.
4. Is Harper a Southern name?
Although the name Harper is not specifically tied to any location, it is considered a popular choice nationwide, including among parents living in Southern America. Novelist Harper Lee is a famous Southerner who bore the name.
5. What middle name goes with Harper for a girl?
Parents can choose different names for their children’s middle names depending on their preferences. Some suggestions include Elowen, Willow, Olivia, and Marigold. These suggestions have connections to nature in the form of flowers or trees, giving the name Harper an idyllic vibe.
6. Is Harper a Welsh name?
Harper is not specifically a Welsh name; however, it is also used as an English, Scottish, and Irish last name.
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