US Popularity Rank: 32

Origin: British

Meaning: harpist, minstrel

If you come from a musical family and want to share it with baby, then Harper is a sweet choice. This gender-neutral English name means "harpist" or "minstrel." In Medieval England, minstrels were traveling entertainers and musicians who would recite poetry to music. They could even sometimes be jugglers and acrobats. A harpist, meanwhile, was one of the most influential figures in a medieval hall and would regularly use the name Harper as their surname. Even if baby turns out not to have a musical bone in their body, this name is sure to hit the right note.