Harper Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationHAR-per / /ˈhɑːr.pər/English; Old English
Meaning
English: harp player; Old English: harp
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Harper has its roots in Old English, originally used as a surname for someone who played the harp. It gained popularity as a first name in the 19th century, particularly in the United States. The name has been associated with literary and artistic figures, contributing to its appeal. In recent years, Harper has become a trendy choice for girls, reflecting a shift towards unisex names.
Trend Summary
Harper has seen a significant rise in popularity in the United States, consistently ranking among the top names for girls in recent years.
Similar Names
Variants
- Harperly
International Variants
- Harper (English)
Famous people named Harper
Harper Lee was an American author best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
Harper Beckham is the daughter of famous footballer David Beckham and fashion designer Victoria Beckham.
Harper Simon is an American musician and the son of singer-songwriter Paul Simon.
Harper Grace is an American singer who gained recognition as a contestant on 'American Idol'.
Fictional characters named Harper
Harper Finkle is a character from the Disney Channel series 'Wizards of Waverly Place', known for her quirky personality.
Harper is a character in the 'Harper's Island' television series, involved in a murder mystery plot.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Harper was first seen in the United States in 1971. Harper has ranked as high as #31 nationally, which occurred in 2016, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Harper has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Harper (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 577 | |
| CA | 485 | |
| FL | 360 | |
| PA | 339 | |
| OH | 333 | |
| NY | 328 | |
| NC | 286 | |
| TN | 256 | |
| GA | 254 | |
| IL | 229 | |
| VA | 205 | |
| IN | 195 | |
| NJ | 194 | |
| MO | 188 | |
| WA | 167 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1971 | 5 |
| 1974 | 9 |
| 1975 | 7 |
| 1976 | 9 |
| 1977 | 5 |
| 1978 | 9 |
| 1980 | 6 |
| 1981 | 8 |
| 1982 | 7 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 12 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 22 |
| 1992 | 21 |
| 1993 | 23 |
| 1994 | 34 |
| 1995 | 53 |
| 1996 | 107 |
| 1997 | 86 |
| 1998 | 93 |
| 1999 | 112 |
| 2000 | 136 |
| 2001 | 176 |
| 2002 | 164 |
| 2003 | 200 |
| 2004 | 274 |
| 2005 | 363 |
| 2006 | 597 |
| 2007 | 729 |
| 2008 | 1,128 |
| 2009 | 1,903 |
| 2010 | 2,634 |
| 2011 | 4,676 |
| 2012 | 7,199 |
| 2013 | 8,284 |
| 2014 | 9,616 |
| 2015 | 10,310 |
| 2016 | 10,802 |
| 2017 | 10,521 |
| 2018 | 10,644 |
| 2019 | 10,494 |
| 2020 | 8,848 |
| 2021 | 8,441 |
| 2022 | 8,223 |
| 2023 | 7,792 |
| 2024 | 7,370 |