Harper Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Harper come from? What does the surname Harper mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Harper and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Harper Origin: What does the last name Harper mean?
Harper is an English, Scottish, and Irish surname that is also used as a unisex given name in the United States. It originated as an occupational name, deriving from the Middle English term for a harp player or maker. Alternatively, it may have Norman or Gaelic roots, with variations like le Harpur and Mac Chruiteir. The name has gained popularity in recent years, with Virginia and the US seeing it among the top names for newborn girls in 2021 and 2022. In Canada, it ranked as the 34th most popular name for girls in 2022.
YourRoots data shows the Harper surname appearing in Scotland, UK, in the early 14th century, with significant growth seen in England by the 16th century. The name spread to the United States in the 17th century, becoming more prevalent than in the UK. Today, Harper is a globally recognized surname, found in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, France, and Ireland, reflecting its widespread presence and diverse heritage.
Harper Last Name History: Where did the last name Harper come from?
Origin of Harper Surname: Where does the last name Harper originate from?
Our YourRoots database indicates that the surname Harper was first recorded in records from Scotland, United Kingdom, during the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Harper” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Harper: What does the Harper surname history look like in the early days?
The Harper surname appeared predominantly in the United Kingdom from the 14th to the 15th century, with a significant increase in frequency in England during the 16th century. The data from YourRoots also shows a notable growth of Harper family records in the United States, starting in the 17th century, indicating a transatlantic expansion of the surname.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Harper surname today?
By the 18th century, the Harper surname had gained substantial prevalence in the United States, eventually surpassing the United Kingdom in the volume of records. This trend continued into the 19th and 20th centuries, where the United States had the most records of the Harper surname. However, despite its American prominence, the Harper surname has a global presence. It can be found in many countries, including but not limited to, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, France, and Ireland.
Explore Harper last name heritage and Harper surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME HARPER
Famous People With Harper Surame?
Ben Harper
Benjamin Charles Harper (born Oct 28, 1969) is an American singer-songwriter known for his eclectic mix of blues, folk, soul, reggae, and rock music. He is a three-time Grammy Award winner and known for his guitar-playing skills and vocals. Harper has released twelve studio albums and toured internationally. He has collaborated with artists like Jack Johnson and Toots and the Maytals. Harper is also recognized for his activism and has performed at various benefit concerts. With a musical career spanning decades, Harper continues to captivate audiences with his soulful voice and powerful lyrics.
Valerie Harper
Valerie Kathryn Harper (August 22, 1939 – August 30, 2019) was an American actress known for her iconic role as Rhoda Morgenstern on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spinoff, Rhoda. She won multiple Emmy Awards for her performances and also appeared in films like Freebie and the Bean. Harper's career spanned Broadway, television, and film, showcasing her versatile talents. Her legacy as a beloved actress continues to inspire fans and aspiring performers alike.
William Jackson Harper
William Fitzgerald Harper (born Feb 8, 1980) is an American actor and playwright known professionally as William Jackson Harper. He gained fame for his role as Chidi Anagonye in the NBC comedy series "The Good Place" and has appeared in various stage productions and films. Harper has also taken on roles in popular franchises like Marvel and has been recognized with award nominations for his performances. With a diverse range of work in both theater and screen, Harper continues to captivate audiences with his talent and versatility.
Hill Harper
Frank Eugene "Hill" Harper (May 17, 1966 - present) is an American actor known for his roles in popular TV series like CSI: NY, Limitless, and The Good Doctor. He also ventured into politics, running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan in 2024. Harper is a Harvard Law School graduate and author of several inspirational books. He has a strong advocacy for social causes, including supporting disadvantaged youth and civil rights. Harper's versatile career spans from acting in films to voice-over work and writing, making him a multifaceted figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Jessica Harper
Jessica Randolph Harper (born October 3, 1949) is an American actress and singer known for her roles in cult classics like Suspiria and Phantom of the Paradise. She has appeared in over twenty films, including Love and Death and Minority Report, and has also written children's books and music. Harper is the recipient of multiple awards for her work and continues to be active in the entertainment industry.
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