Harper
Harper is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Harp player or musician who plays the harp.
Origin and history
Harper originated as an Old English occupational surname for someone who played the harp. While predominantly given to females in modern U.S. usage, it maintains a steady presence as a masculine name. It offers a literary and musical heritage that appeals to parents seeking a modern classic.
Popularity in the United States
6,769 babies in the United States have been named Harper since 1880. It ranks #1465 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1242.
States where it is most popular
- TX (9.3 %)
- CA (8.3 %)
- GA (6.2 %)
- FL (5.3 %)
- NC (5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 52 |
| 1890-1900 | 56 |
| 1900-1910 | 42 |
| 1910-1920 | 158 |
| 1920-1930 | 225 |
| 1930-1940 | 143 |
| 1940-1950 | 115 |
| 1950-1960 | 105 |
| 1960-1970 | 68 |
| 1970-1980 | 89 |
| 1980-1990 | 95 |
| 1990-2000 | 237 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,456 |
| 2010-2019 | 3,195 |
| 2020-2029 | 733 |
Famous people named Harper
- Harper Williams: Basketball Player
- Harper LeBel: Football Player
Fun facts
- Harper was originally used in medieval times to denote an official harp player in a royal household.
- The name gained major cultural recognition through American author Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird.