Harper is a name of English origin, derived from the Old English word "harpa," which means "harp." The name Harper has been traditionally used as a surname and was originally given to someone who played the harp or lived near a place called Harper.
The first recorded use of Harper as a given name for boys was in the 19th century, but it wasn't until the late 20th century that it began to gain popularity as a unisex name. Today, Harper is more commonly used for girls than boys and has become quite popular in recent years.
One notable figure with the name Harper is the American poet and author Harper Lee, best known for her novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." This book has had a significant impact on literature and has contributed to the rise in popularity of the name Harper.
Harper is a relatively rare name in the United States, with only five babies being named Harper each year in 2010. Despite its low popularity, Harper has maintained this consistent birth rate annually over time, indicating that it is not a trend that fluctuates greatly from year to year. While there are many names that are more popular than Harper, such as Emma and Noah which were the top ranked names in 2010, it's important to note that having fewer births does not make Harper any less special or meaningful for those who choose it. In fact, choosing a name like Harper may allow your child to stand out and be unique among their peers. Additionally, with only five babies named Harper each year, there is a high likelihood that your child will have a truly unique name compared to other children born in the same year. So while Harper may not be the most popular name in the United States, it is certainly one of a kind!