Harper is a unisex given name of English origin. It was initially used as a surname before being adopted as a given name in the late 20th century. The name Harper is derived from the Old English word "harper," which means "harp player." This name was traditionally given to people who played the harp or were involved in music in some way.
The popularity of the name Harper can be attributed to several factors. In literature, Harper is the surname of the protagonist in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. Additionally, many celebrities have chosen this name for their children, further popularizing it. For example, actor David Duchovny and actress Busy Philipps both have daughters named Harper.
While Harper was once more commonly used as a boy's name, it has recently become more popular for girls as well. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Harper was the 438th most popular name for boys in the United States in 2019, but it ranked much higher at number 7 for girls.
In terms of meaning and symbolism, the name Harper is often associated with creativity, music, and art. This is likely due to its connection to the harp, an instrument that has been used throughout history to create beautiful melodies. Additionally, the name Harper may be seen as a nod to the literary world, given its use in "To Kill a Mockingbird."
Overall, the name Harper is a unique and distinctive choice for a child's name. Its English origins and musical associations give it a rich history and meaning, while its recent popularity among celebrities makes it a contemporary option as well. Whether used for a boy or girl, Harper is sure to make a memorable and impressive addition to any list of names.
The name Harper has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1971 and 1990, the number of babies named Harper was relatively low, with fewer than 22 births per year on average. However, starting in 1991, there was a noticeable uptick in the usage of the name, with over 200 births recorded that year.
From 1994 onwards, the popularity of Harper continued to rise steadily. By 1996, the number of babies named Harper had reached triple digits, and by the end of the decade, it had surpassed 500 births per year. The turn of the century marked a significant milestone for Harper, as it became one of the most popular names in the United States.
In the 2000s, the popularity of Harper continued to climb at an unprecedented rate. By 2008, over 1,000 babies were being named Harper each year, and by 2012, that number had more than doubled to over 7,000 births per year. The name Harper reached its peak popularity in 2016 and 2017, with over 10,500 births recorded both years.
While the popularity of Harper has declined slightly in recent years, it remains one of the most popular names in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration, a total of 8,215 babies were named Harper in 2022 alone, bringing the overall total to over 124,787 births since 1971.
This data demonstrates the remarkable rise in popularity of the name Harper over the past few decades. What was once a relatively uncommon name has become one of the most popular choices for parents in the United States. Whether this trend will continue remains to be seen, but it is clear that Harper has made its mark on American naming trends.