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 2,105
Agricultural Labourer 340
Labourer 237
Domestic Servant 136
Dress Maker 121
General Servant 110
Coal Miner 88
Miner 76
House Keeper 64
Carpenter 60
Laundress 59
Servant 54
Gardener 53
Shoe Maker 53
Tailor 45
Farm Servant 45
Blacksmith 42
Annuitant 40
Farm Labourer 38
Bricklayer 38
Butcher 36
Ag Labourer 35
Cook 35
Dressmaker 34
Errand Boy 33

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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