girl name · English origin
Harper
/ HAR-per /
Meaning
Harper means Harp player (English).
Gender
Girl
Origin
English
Pronunciation
HAR-per
Popularity
#16 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Harper in the US, 1880–2025
Harper first appears in US records in 1971. It peaked in 2016, when 10,803 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 6,792.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Harper mean?
An English occupational surname, “one who plays the harp.”
Names like Harper
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Harper mean?
Harper means Harp player. An English occupational surname, “one who plays the harp.”
What is the origin of the name Harper?
Harper is of English origin.
How do you pronounce Harper?
Harper is pronounced “HAR-per.”
Is Harper a boy or a girl name?
Harper is most commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Harper?
In 2025, Harper ranked #16 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Harper most popular?
Harper was most popular in 2016, when about 10,803 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.