Harper Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Harper Name Meaning: Derived from Middle English, Middle Dutch & refers to a harpist, minstrel, harp maker or player.

One of the most important figures in a medieval baronial hall, the office of harper was sometimes hereditary.

Discover how your Harper ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Harper Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Harper family

Profession Census Frequency
Agricultural Labourer 410
Female Servant 368
Independent 193
Labourer 176
Male Servant 146
Farmer 126
Shoe Maker 69
Carpenter 54
Ag Labourer 48
Tailor 42
Gardener 40
Blacksmith 34
Miner 31
Weaver 31
Dress Maker 31
Apprentice 29
Servant 28
Butcher 27
Brick Layer 24
Brick Maker 23
Coal Miner 23
Publican 21
Joiner 21
Clerk 20
Baker 18

Harper Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Harper 100% 116,388
2 Harpur 83% 1,101
3 Horper 83% 839
4 Heraper 71% 155
5 Herper 83% 155
6 Harpour 71% 129

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The surname Harper is the most popular version of all its varients

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