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
Living On Own Means 205
General Labourer 203
General Servant Domestic 155
Dress Maker 127
Scholar 124
Farmer 104
Cook Domestic 94
Agricultural Labourer 89
Domestic Servant 87
Coal Miner Hewer 74
Housemaid Domestic 67
Carpenter 58
Bricklayer 54
Laundress Wash 53
Charwoman 51
Cotton Weaver 49
Dressmaker 47
School 46
Tailor 41
Brick Layer 40
House Keeper Domestic 40
Dock Labourer 38
House Keeper 38
House Maid Domestic 38
Coal Hewer 38

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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