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
Scholar 1,329
Agricultural Labourer 384
House Servant 201
Labourer 149
At Home 119
Dress Maker 96
Farm Labourer 94
Servant 89
Coal Miner 78
General Servant 64
Laundress 52
House Keeper 49
Tailor 45
Carpenter 43
Pauper 40
Blacksmith 39
Scholar At Home 39
Farm Servant 39
Shoe Maker 38
Annuitant 35
Lace Maker 32
Gardener 32
Wife 32
Ag Lab 31
Butcher 30

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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