Harper is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the surname Harper, which is an occupational name for a harp player or maker. The name Harper comes from the Old English word "harp," which refers to the musical instrument.
The meaning of the name Harper is associated with music and creativity. It is believed to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon period, during which the harp was a popular instrument played by bards and musicians at feasts and gatherings.
Throughout history, the name Harper has been used for both boys and girls. In medieval England, it was often given to children whose parents had musical aspirations for them or who were descended from families of harp players. Today, Harper is more commonly associated with females, although it can still be used as a unisex name.
Some notable people named Harper include Harper Lee, the American author best known for her novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," and Harper Beckham, the daughter of British celebrities David and Victoria Beckham. Despite its growing popularity in recent years, Harper remains a relatively uncommon name, making it a unique choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet meaningful for their child.
In conclusion, Harper is an English name with musical origins that has been used throughout history for both boys and girls. Its meaning is associated with creativity and the art of music. Whether you're drawn to its historical significance or simply appreciate its sound, choosing Harper as a name for your child is sure to be a memorable decision.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe an interesting trend regarding the number of births with the name Harper in the United States from 1881 to 2023.
From 1881 to 1949, there were periods where the name Harper was quite popular among parents, with some years seeing more than 20 births. However, the popularity fluctuated significantly over these years, ranging from a low of 5 births in certain years to a high of 31 births in 1922.
After 1949, there is a noticeable decline in the number of babies named Harper until the late 1980s and early 1990s. This period saw an average of around 5-10 births per year.
Beginning in 1996, we observe a significant increase in the popularity of the name Harper. In that year alone, there were 39 births, and this number continued to rise steadily over time. The peak was reached between 2008 and 2012, with the highest number of Harper births being recorded in 2012 (416 babies).
However, since then, the popularity of the name has somewhat decreased, but it remains popular compared to previous decades. In recent years, from 2019 to 2023, there have been around 130-210 births named Harper each year.
In total, between 1881 and 2023, there were 6,601 babies born in the United States with the name Harper. This statistical trend highlights how the popularity of the name has varied over time but has seen a significant resurgence since the late 1990s.