Harper
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.
Is Harper popular?
Rising Harper has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
| 2020s | 47,509 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 85,193 | |
| 2000s | 5,671 | |
| 1990s | 563 | |
| 1980s | 82 | |
| 1970s | 45 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Harper mean?
Harper is an English occupational surname for someone who played or made harps. Boosted by the novelist Harper Lee, it became a hugely popular girls’ name.
Nicknames for Harper
- Harp
Variants & spellings
- Harpur
Names like Harper
English names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Harper
Popular English names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Harper
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Harper mean?
Harper means Harp player. Harper is an English occupational surname for someone who played or made harps. Boosted by the novelist Harper Lee, it became a hugely popular girls’ name.
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.
Is Harper a popular name right now?
Harper has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
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.
What are common nicknames for Harper?
Common nicknames for Harper include Harp.
What names are similar to Harper?
Names similar to Harper include Piper, Quinn, Sawyer, Wren.
What names go well with Harper?
English names that pair well with Harper include Dorothy, Nancy, Edward, Joan, Mason.