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 2,681
Coal Miner 221
General Labourer 219
Agricultural Labourer 206
Domestic Servant 155
Dress Maker 151
Living On Own Means 125
Labourer 122
Farmer 104
General Servant Domestic 93
General Servant 83
Living On Her Own Means 80
Laundress 76
Carpenter 65
Farm Labourer 65
General Domestic Servant 56
Blacksmith 54
Clerk 52
Gardener 51
Farm Servant 50
Brick Layer 50
House Keeper 48
Cotton Weaver 48
Tailor 43
Butcher 39

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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