Harper

Harper is an English occupational surname turned given name, derived from the Old English word hearpere, meaning a player of the harp. The harp was a prestigious instrument in medieval society, and harpists held honored roles in noble households, giving the surname considerable dignity. The name gained popularity as a given name in the twentieth century, receiving a notable boost from Harper Lee, the American author of To Kill a Mockingbird. Related forms include the surname Harpur, and the name shares its root with the Old Norse harpa.