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 3,271
Agricultural Labourer 307
Coal Miner 189
Domestic Servant 177
General Labourer 159
Dress Maker 144
Labourer 143
General Servant 123
Laundress 93
Farm Labourer 70
General Servant Domestic 63
Bricklayer 57
Carpenter 57
Annuitant 56
House Keeper 55
Charwoman 51
No Occupation 50
Tailor 42
Shoe Maker 41
Butcher 38
Farmers Son 36
Gardener 35
Cook Domestic Servant 33
Cotton Weaver 31
Grocer 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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