Harper
Harp player — a girl name of English origin
Popularity of 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.
Meaning & Origin of Harper
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.
Harper 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.
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
If you like Harper, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Harper
Looking for names that pair well with Harper? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
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.
Explore Related Names
Need More Name Ideas?
Like Harper? Our AI Name Generator suggests personalized baby names based on your preferences, surname, and cultural background.
Try Baby Name Generator