Surname Harpers - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Harpers: What does the surname Harpers mean?
The last name Harpers is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words "here" meaning army or warriors and "paerce" meaning spear. This combination of words creates the definition of a person whose occupation is an armed guard, which suggests that this family had an occupation as a protector in feudal times or during the medieval age.
The Harpers surname features an interesting origin which reflects the occupation of the family’s ancestors. It is also possible that certain families were geographically situated near defenses such as castles or moated manors. Those belonging to the family who protected these residences were apparently referred to as the Harpers.
The Harpers family may have been employed by kings or noblemen originally, and was later seen as a part of the gentry. For this reason, members of this family tended to be well respected in society and many people with this surname rose to power and prominence through their respected social standing.
Like all surnames, the Harpers name has evolved over time. Yet its origin still remains an interesting piece of family and social history. In modern times, the surname Harpers is still held by many families who trace their roots back to medieval England and continue to carry the stature of their family name proudly.
Order DNA origin analysisHarpers: Where does the name Harpers come from?
The surname Harpers is generally believed to be of English origin and is most commonly found within the United Kingdom. Harpers is also present in small numbers throughout continental Europe and North America. In the United Kingdom, the surname is recorded in parts of Scotland as well as in England. However, it is most commonly found in Yorkshire and in some areas of London. In the United States, the Harpers surname is recorded mainly in the South and Mid-Atlantic states of the US, mainly in Georgia and Virginia. The largest concentration of Harpers outside the UK is in the United States.
In the United States, the Harpers name had spread to California, Texas, and Florida by the early 20th century and continues to be found there today. In particular, the Harpers name is relatively common in many rural areas in the South. In modern times, the Harpers name can still be found in areas of North America, Europe and the United Kingdom, especially in certain areas in Yorkshire. It is believed that the Harpers surname refers to an occupation or a geographic origin, but its origin has yet to be definitively determined.
Variations of the surname Harpers
The surname Harpers is of English origin and its variants are Harper, Harpur, Harpour, Harpurge, Harpuray, Harpursey, and Harpurson.
Harper is the most common spelling, and can be derived from either an occupation or a location. As an occupational surname, it came from the Old English word “herepestre”, which is a variation of “hepar”, meaning “harpist” or “harp player”. Thus, the surname Harper originally referred to someone who played the harp. It can also be derived from a place, as there are many places in the United Kingdom called “Harper” which derive their name from the Old English word “hæfer”, meaning “heather”.
Harpur and Harpour are alternative spellings of the surname Harper, likely indicating a family line combining Celtic and Norman French origins. Harpurge is another variant of Harper, derived from the Old French “harpure” or French “harpe”, both of which are related to the playing of the harp.
Harpuray is believed to be derived from the Welsh variant of the name Harper. Harpurse and Harpursen are derived from the Old Norse word “harós”, meaning “gulls”, which could possibly indicate a Scandinavian origin for the surname.
Overall, the many variants and spellings of the surname Harper indicate a wide range of geographical and cultural origins, from Welsh and Old English to Scandinavian and Old French.
Famous people with the name Harpers
- Samuel Harper, Physicist and Nobel Prize in Chemistry
- Pauline Harper, Actress
- Magee Harper, Musician
- Daniel Harper, Mixed Martial Arts Fighter
- Annie Harper, Former Leader of The Labour Party
- Jack Harper, American Football Player
- Emmett Harper, Pastor and Polymath
- Eileen Harper, Philanthropist
- Emily Harper, Author
- Ryan Harper, Actor
- Isabella Harper, British Olympic Athlete
- Cody Harper, Youtuber
- Bill Harper, Politician
- Noelle Harper, Musician and Songwriter
- Ashlee Harper, Voice Actress
- Brandon Harper, Baseball Player
- Tess Harper, Actress
- Gus Harper, Comedian
- Daphne Harper, Former Miss Universe
- Heidi Harper, Dancer and Choreographer