Harper Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Harper Name Meaning

Fact: Harper Lee, the author of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” helped popularize the name.

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A Deep Dive

Harper Overview

Meaning

Harp player

Gender

Girl, Gender-neutral

Origin

English

Etymology

Harper is of English origin, originally a surname meaning “harp player” or “harp maker.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈhɑrpər/

Popularity

Harper has become widely popular around the world, especially in English-speaking countries. In the USA, Harper ranked within the top 10 names for girls in recent years.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Popular, Cool, Cute, Occupational

Associated Traits

Creative, independent, and expressive.
A Deep Dive

Harper Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Harpa, Harpur, Harp, Harpy, Harpar, Harparr, Harppa, Harpyr

Common Nicknames

Harp, Harpo, Happer, Haps, Harpy

Diminutives

Har, Hap, Hara, Harpi

Famous People

  • Harper Lee
    (American Author)
  • Harper Reed
    (American Entrepreneur)
  • Harper Simon
    (American Musician)
  • Bryce Harper
    (American Baseball Player)
  • Stephen Harper
    (Canadian Politician)
  • Harper Beckham
    (British Celebrity Child)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Harper
    ("Stargirl," TV Series)
  • Harper Finkle
    ("Wizards of Waverly Place," TV Series)
  • Harper Avery
    ("Grey's Anatomy," TV Series)
  • "Harper"
    (Film)
  • Harper Pitt
    ("Angels in America," Play)
  • Harper Grace
    ("Fuller House," TV Series)

Places

  • Harper's Ferry Town
    (West Virginia, USA)
  • Harper's Choice Village
    (Maryland, USA)
  • Harper Glacier
    (Antarctica)
  • Harper Lake
    (Colorado, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Harper?

Harper means “harp player” or “one who plays the harp.” This name often conveys a personality that is artistic and creative, suggesting someone who brings harmony and beauty into the world through their talents.

What Is the Origin of The Name Harper?

Harper has English origins. It was originally used as an occupational surname for someone who played the harp. Over time, it transitioned from a surname to a given name and has become quite popular in recent years, especially in English-speaking countries.

Harper Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Harper in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#102021#112022#112023
Top 3 Rankings#92018#92019#102015

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Harper

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
202311
No change from 2022
7769
(-446 from 2022)
0.44415
202211
(-1 from 2021)
8215
(-218 from 2021)
0.45815
202110
No change from 2020
8433
(-410 from 2020)
0.47071
202010
(-1 from 2019)
8843
(-1648 from 2019)
0.50026
20199
No change from 2018
10491
(-150 from 2018)
0.57176
20189
(+2 from 2017)
10641
(+122 from 2017)
0.57220
201711
No change from 2016
10519
(-282 from 2016)
0.55681
201611
(-1 from 2015)
10801
(+491 from 2015)
0.55794
201510
(+1 from 2014)
10310
(+695 from 2014)
0.52848
201411
(+5 from 2013)
9615
(+1331 from 2013)
0.49148
201316
(+8 from 2012)
8284
(+1086 from 2012)
0.42974
201224
(+30 from 2011)
7198
(+2523 from 2011)
0.37113
201154
(+66 from 2010)
4675
(+2041 from 2010)
0.24127
2010120
(+53 from 2009)
2634
(+731 from 2009)
0.13434
2009173
(+123 from 2008)
1903
(+775 from 2008)
0.09397
2008296
(+144 from 2007)
1128
(+399 from 2007)
0.05416
2007440
(+70 from 2006)
729
(+132 from 2006)
0.03444
2006510
(+231 from 2005)
597
(+234 from 2005)
0.02856
2005741
(+146 from 2004)
363
(+89 from 2004)
0.01789
2004887
(+213 from 2003)
274
(+74 from 2003)
0.01358
20031100
(+124 from 2002)
200
(+36 from 2002)
0.00997
20021224
(-54 from 2001)
164
(-12 from 2001)
0.00830
20011170
(+210 from 2000)
176
(+41 from 2000)
0.00888
20001380
(+145 from 1999)
135
(+23 from 1999)
0.00676
19991525
(+184 from 1998)
112
(+19 from 1998)
0.00575
19981709
(+48 from 1997)
93
(+7 from 1997)
0.00480
19971757
(-254 from 1996)
86
(-21 from 1996)
0.00450
19961503
(+918 from 1995)
107
(+54 from 1995)
0.00558
19952421
(+881 from 1994)
53
(+19 from 1994)
0.00276
19943302
(+1091 from 1993)
34
(+11 from 1993)
0.00174
19934393
(+293 from 1992)
23
(+2 from 1992)
0.00117
19924686
(-190 from 1991)
21
(-1 from 1991)
0.00105
19914496
(+2371 from 1990)
22
(+10 from 1990)
0.00108
19906867
(+88 from 1989)
12
(+1 from 1989)
0.00058
19896955
(-679 from 1988)
11
(-1 from 1988)
0.00055
19886276
(+1711 from 1987)
12
(+4 from 1987)
0.00062
19877987
(-238 from 1986)
8
No change from 1986
0.00043
19867749
(-2401 from 1985)
8
(-5 from 1985)
0.00043
19855348
(+5073 from 1984)
13
(+8 from 1984)
0.00070
198410421
(-147 from 1983)
5
No change from 1983
0.00028
198310274
(-2052 from 1982)
5
(-2 from 1982)
0.00028
19828222
(-813 from 1981)
7
(-1 from 1981)
0.00039
19817409
(+1687 from 1980)
8
(+2 from 1980)
0.00045
19809096
(-2712 from 1978)
6
(-3 from 1978)
0.00034
19790
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19786384
(+3266 from 1977)
9
(+4 from 1977)
0.00055
19779650
(-3602 from 1976)
5
(-4 from 1976)
0.00030
19766048
(+1126 from 1975)
9
(+2 from 1975)
0.00057
19757174
(-1397 from 1974)
7
(-2 from 1974)
0.00045
19745777
(+2543 from 1971)
9
(+4 from 1971)
0.00057
19730
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19720
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19718320
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00029
19700
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19690
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19680
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19670
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19660
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19650
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19640
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19630
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19620
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19610
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19600
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19590
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19580
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19570
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19560
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19550
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19530
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19510
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19490
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Harper

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#212021#292022#262023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#442021#472022#492023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#82021#82022#82023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#222021#292022#192023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#72021#82022#92023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#262021#262022#212023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#72021#92022#92023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#82021#92022#72023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#82021#72022#112023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#182021#152022#212023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#62021#52022#72023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#112021#72022#122023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#82021#82022#102023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#62021#72022#52023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#72021#112022#92023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#72021#92022#82023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#122021#62022#102023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#62021#12022#62023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#62021#62022#82023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#132021#82022#92023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#202021#212022#192023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#32021#52022#62023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#312021#262022#242023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#162021#172022#92023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#62021#62022#82023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#62021#52022#52023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#92021#72022#42023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#232021#82022#132023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#322021#202022#282023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#92021#52022#132023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#82021#132022#122023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#72021#62022#72023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#72021#42022#82023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#132021#62022#52023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#262021#162022#152023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#22021#62022#32023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#42021#72022#62023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#352021#312022#322023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#22021#62022#42023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#92021#22022#92023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#52021#52022#52023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#82021#62022#82023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#52021#32022#92023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#72021#102022#92023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#142021#152022#112023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#622021#472022#722023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#62021#62022#42023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#112021#52022#192023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#282021#502022#822023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#602021#1162022#472023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#792021#812022#392023

Popularity Rankings for Harper in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#142021#92022#52023

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#182021#142022#122023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#252021#152022#222023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#242021#292022#432023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#292019#282020#262021

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#382021#442022#512023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#602021#652022#702023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#5422020#4332021#8902022

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#6032019#4652022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Harper a Name for Boys or Girls?

Harper works for both boys and girls due to its balanced and modern feel, fitting well with contemporary naming trends.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Harper

  • Harpa
  • Harpur
  • Harp
  • Harpy
  • Harpar
  • Harparr
  • Harppa
  • Harpyr
  • Harp
  • Harpo
  • Happer
  • Haps
  • Harpy
  • Har
  • Hap
  • Hara
  • Hap
  • Harpi

Harper in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Harper Lee (Author, 1926–2016): An American author best known for her novel "To Kill a Mockingbird."
  • Harper Reed (Entrepreneur, born 1978): An American technology engineer and former CTO of Obama's 2012 campaign.
  • Harper Simon (Musician, born 1972): An American singer-songwriter and guitarist.
  • Bryce Harper (Baseball Player, born 1992): An American professional baseball player.
  • Stephen Harper (Politician, born 1959): A Canadian politician who served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada.
  • Harper Beckham (Celebrity Child, born 2011): The daughter of David and Victoria Beckham.
  • Ben Harper (Musician, born 1969): An American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
  • Harper Stewart (Fictional Character): A main character in the movie "The Best Man" and its sequel.
  • Harper ("Stargirl," 2020 TV Series): A high school student with a mysterious past and a connection to the superhero community.
  • Harper Finkle ("Wizards of Waverly Place," 2007 TV Series): A quirky and creative teenager who is best friends with Alex Russo.
  • Harper Avery ("Grey's Anatomy," 2005 TV Series): A renowned surgeon whose name is given to a prestigious medical award.
  • "Harper" (1966 Film): A mystery film starring Paul Newman as a private detective investigating a wealthy woman's disappearance.
  • Harper Pitt ("Angels in America," 1991 Play): A troubled Mormon woman struggling with her marriage and hallucinations in Tony Kushner's acclaimed play.
  • Harper Grace ("Fuller House," 2016 TV Series): A fun-loving and energetic child in the Tanner family.
  • "Harper's Bazaar" (1867 Magazine): A popular fashion magazine known for its coverage of style, culture, and beauty.
  • Harper Stewart ("The Best Man," 1999 Film): A novelist and best man at his friend's wedding, whose book causes drama among the wedding party.
  • "Harper Valley PTA" (1978 Film): A comedy film about a single mother who takes on the hypocrisy of her local PTA.
  • Harper's Ferry Town (West Virginia, USA): A historic town at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, known for John Brown's raid and its role in the American Civil War.
  • Harper's Choice Village (Maryland, USA): A village within Columbia, Maryland, featuring parks, schools, and recreational facilities.
  • Harper Glacier (Antarctica): A glacier located in the Pensacola Mountains of Antarctica, named after Rear Admiral Donald Harper of the United States Navy.
  • Harper Lake (Colorado, USA): A reservoir in Boulder County, Colorado, popular for fishing, hiking, and birdwatching.

Similar Names to Harper

Sibling Names for Harper

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Harper is a name with deep meaning, loved by many. Come join the discussion and discover more names that you’ll fall in love with!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

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