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
School 2,044
Farm Labourer 169
Private Means 147
Labourer 139
General Labourer 131
Coal Miner Hewer 130
General Servant (domestic) 121
None 108
Farmer 100
Dressmaker 87
Clerk 83
Domestic Servant 76
Bricklayer 71
At School 69
Scholar 66
At Home 64
Housekeeper 57
General Servant Domestic 52
Shop Assistant 48
Carter 47
Cook (domestic) 47
Assisting In Business 45
Dress Maker 45
Laundress 44
House Keeper 43

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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