harper

Meanings

1. A harpist, especially one who plays a traditional harp without pedals.
2. An old Irish brass coin bearing the emblem of a harp.

1. A surname originating as an occupation for a player of the harp.
2. A male given name transferred from the surname.
3. A female given name transferred from the surname, of modern usage.
4. A number of places in the United States:
5. An unincorporated community in Ogle County, Illinois.
6. An unincorporated community in Decatur County, Indiana.
7. A minor city in Keokuk County, Iowa.
8. A city in Harper County, Kansas, named after Sgt. Marion Harper.
9. An unincorporated community in Magoffin County, Kentucky.
10. An unincorporated community in St. Clair County, Missouri.
11. An unincorporated community in Logan County, Ohio.
12. An unincorporated community in Ross County, Ohio.

Etymology

From Middle English harpere, from Old English hearpere (“harpist, harper”), equivalent to harp + -er. Cognate with Middle Low German harpære (“harper”), German Harfer and Harfner (“harper”).