Harper
Harper is a girl name of English origin meaning “Harp player”, pronounced HAR-per. It ranked #16 in the United States in 2025, given to 6,792 babies, and peaked at #9 in 2018. Common nicknames: Harp, Harps, Harpy.
How popular is Harper in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Harper mean, and where does it come from?
Harper is an English occupational surname that originally referred to a person who played the harp. The harp was a revered instrument in medieval Europe, and professional harpists held positions of honour in royal courts. As a first name, Harper was historically used for boys but shifted predominantly to girls in the 21st century. Its literary association with Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, adds intellectual cachet. The name reached number one on the US girls' chart in some years, propelled further by celebrity use such as David and Victoria Beckham naming their daughter Harper.
How is Harper used around the world?
Harper is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Harper?
Famous People Named Harper
- Harper Lee — American novelist, author of To Kill a Mockingbird
- Harper Beckham — daughter of David and Victoria Beckham
- Harper Simon — American singer-songwriter
Similar Names to Harper
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Sibling Name Ideas for Harper
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Harper mean?
Harper is a girl name of English origin meaning "Harp player." Harper is an English occupational surname that originally referred to a person who played the harp. The harp was a revered instrument in medieval Europe, and professional harpists held positions of honour in royal courts.
How do you pronounce Harper?
Harper is pronounced HAR-per. Common variations include Harpar, Harpur, Harpyr.
Is Harper a girl name?
Yes, Harper is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Harp, Harps, Harpy.