The name Harper has gained significant popularity in recent years, becoming one of the most popular names for baby girls in the United States. But where did this name come from, and what does it mean?
Name meaning of Harper
The name Harper is of English origin and has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. The name originally referred to someone who played the harp, a popular musical instrument during that time. The word “harper” itself comes from the Old English word “hearpere,” which means “one who plays the harp.”
As a given name, Harper first gained popularity in the late 19th century. It was initially used as a surname, and gradually became more common as a first name for both boys and girls. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the name really took off in popularity, particularly for girls.
Today, Harper is widely regarded as a unisex name, although it is still more commonly given to girls than boys. In fact, according to the Social Security Administration, Harper was the 10th most popular name for baby girls in the United States in 2020, and the 516th most popular name for boys.
In terms of meaning, the name Harper is often associated with music, creativity, and artistic expression. Those who bear the name are said to be imaginative and expressive, with a strong sense of individuality and a desire to stand out from the crowd.
Interestingly, the name Harper has also been associated with literature in recent years, thanks in large part to the success of the author Harper Lee. Lee is the author of the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, which has been widely praised for its powerful social commentary and deeply affecting characters. Since the publication of To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee has become one of the most influential and widely-read authors of the 20th century, and her name has become synonymous with great literature.
Other notable women who share the name Harper include Harper Beckham, the daughter of David and Victoria Beckham, and Harper Grace, an American country music singer. Both of these young women are widely regarded as talented and creative, and their success in their respective fields is seen as a testament to the power and influence of the name Harper.
Overall, the name Harper is a popular and highly-regarded name with a rich history and a powerful meaning. Whether used for a boy or a girl, it is a name that is associated with creativity, individuality, and a strong sense of self. And with its continued popularity, it is clear that the name Harper will continue to be a beloved and highly sought-after name for generations to come.
How Popular Is the Name Harper?
Harper is a name that has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly for baby girls. It is a name that is often associated with creativity, individuality, and a strong sense of self, and has become a beloved name for many parents. But just how popular is the name Harper, and what factors have contributed to its rise in popularity?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), Harper was the 10th most popular name for baby girls in the United States in 2020. It was also the 516th most popular name for baby boys. The name first entered the top 1,000 names for baby girls in 2004, and has steadily risen in popularity since then. In 2011, Harper broke into the top 100 names for baby girls, and has remained in the top 100 ever since.
One factor that has contributed to the popularity of the name Harper is its unisex appeal. While Harper is still more commonly given to baby girls than boys, it is a name that can be used for both sexes. This flexibility has made it an attractive choice for many parents who are looking for a name that is both unique and gender-neutral.
Another factor that has contributed to the popularity of the name Harper is its association with popular culture. Many celebrities have chosen the name Harper for their own children, including David and Victoria Beckham, who named their daughter Harper Seven. Other celebrities who have chosen the name Harper for their children include Neil Patrick Harris, Tiffani Thiessen, and Jenna Fischer. These high-profile adoptions of the name have helped to popularize it among the general public.
In addition, the name Harper has been used in several popular works of literature and media. In the book series To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the main character is named Scout Finch, whose given name is Jean Louise but is often referred to by her nickname. However, in the sequel to the novel, Go Set a Watchman, it is revealed that her given name is actually Jean Louise Harper. This connection to a beloved literary classic has helped to cement the name Harper as a symbol of literary excellence.
The name Harper has also been used in several popular television shows, including the hit series Grey’s Anatomy. One of the main characters, Dr. Harper Avery, is named after a fictional award that is given to doctors who have made significant contributions to the field of medicine. The character’s name has helped to give the name Harper a sense of prestige and accomplishment.
Despite its recent rise in popularity, the name Harper has a long history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally, the name referred to someone who played the harp, a popular musical instrument during that time. As a given name, Harper first gained popularity in the late 19th century, and was initially used as a surname before becoming more common as a first name for both boys and girls.
In terms of meaning, the name Harper is often associated with music, creativity, and artistic expression. Those who bear the name are said to be imaginative and expressive, with a strong sense of individuality and a desire to stand out from the crowd. This meaning has helped to make the name Harper a popular choice for parents who want their child to be creative and expressive.
In conclusion, the name Harper is a popular and highly-regarded name that has grown in popularity in recent years. Its unisex appeal, association with popular culture, and connection to literature and media have all contributed to its rise in popularity. However, it is the name’s meaning of creativity, individuality, and artistic expression that truly makes it a beloved name for many parents.
Famous People Named Harper
Harper is a popular name for both boys and girls, but in recent years it has become a particularly popular choice for baby girls. The name has a long history and has been used by many notable individuals throughout the years. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the name Harper, its popularity over time, and some of the most famous people who share this name.
Meaning of Harper
The name Harper is of English origin and has a few different meanings. The most commonly accepted meaning is “harp player,” as a harper is someone who plays the harp. This meaning is derived from the Old English word “hearpere,” which referred to a person who played the harp as a profession.
Another possible meaning of Harper is “harpist,” which is simply another term for someone who plays the harp. Some sources suggest that the name may also have a Scottish or Irish origin, where it could have been used as a surname or a variation of the name “Harper.”
Popularity of Harper
Harper has been a popular name throughout history, but its popularity has varied over time. According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the name Harper first appeared in the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the United States in 2004, when it ranked at #909. Since then, the name has risen in popularity every year, peaking at #9 in 2018.
For boys, Harper has been less popular historically. The name first appeared in the SSA’s top 1,000 baby names for boys in 1880, but it has never been a very popular choice. The highest rank it has achieved is #498, which it reached in 1900. Today, the name Harper is much more commonly used for girls than for boys.
Famous People Named Harper
There are many famous people who share the name Harper, both male and female. Here are just a few examples:
Harper Lee – Harper Lee was an American author best known for her novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which was published in 1960. The book has become a classic of modern American literature and has been adapted into a successful film.
Harper Beckham – Harper Beckham is the daughter of retired soccer player David Beckham and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham. She was born in 2011 and has become a popular celebrity baby, often seen at high-profile events with her famous parents.
Harper Simon – Harper Simon is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He is the son of famous musician Paul Simon and has released several albums of his own music.
Harper Gruzins – Harper Gruzins is an American singer who gained notoriety for a particularly poor performance of the national anthem at a Major League Soccer game in 2013. The performance went viral and drew widespread criticism.
Harper Woods – Harper Woods is a city in Michigan, United States. The city was incorporated in 1951 and is named after Harper Woods, a developer who helped to create the city.
Conclusion
The name Harper has a long history and has been used by many notable individuals throughout the years. Its meaning as “harp player” or “harpist” is well-established, and it has been a popular choice for baby names in recent years. While the name has been used for both boys and girls, it is now much more commonly used for girls. Whether you choose to name your child Harper because of its musical connotations or simply because you like the sound of it, it is a name that has stood the test of time and will likely remain popular for years to come.
