National Harper Day is observed every year on August 30. It celebrates people with the name Harper and gives them special attention. The name ‘Harper’ is occasionally passed down from previous generations, and it represents some of the most respected people in a medieval baronial hall, notably in Scotland and northern England. The name is most likely an Anglicized variant of the Gaelic ‘Mac Chruiteir,’ which means ‘son of the harper.’ In Ireland, this surname has a lengthy history.
History of National Harper Day
After a long history as a surname, Harper has grown in popularity as a first name in the past two decades. It is derived from ‘harp,’ which refers to a stringed musical instrument and is translated as a ‘harp player.’Noblemen and aristocrats in ancient times frequently hired musicians in their residences for entertainment. Harpists were among the most prominent figures in medieval baronial courts. Harpists were granted noble status according to ancient Irish law due to the elegance of their music.Harper is part of a growing trend of surnames becoming popular first names. In 2004, the name appeared on the Social Security Administration’s list of the top 1,000 female names for the first time. Harper debuted at No. 887, and between 2005 and 2006, it jumped 234 spots. It gradually grew in popularity throughout the years, eventually breaking into the top 10 in 2015. It peaked in 2018 and 2019 when Harper was placed at number nine on the list.Harper is occasionally used as a male name, but it is not as popular for boys as it is for girls. It was the 683rd most popular boy’s name in 1905. However, by 1907, it had fallen out of the top 1,000 most popular boy names list.Popular characters bearing Harper on T.V. shows such as “Gossip Girl,” “Girl Meets World,” and “Wizard of Waverly Place” popularized it. The name may have also become popular as a result of renewed interest in Harper Lee, the author of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
National Harper Day timeline
Thelma Harper, the first African American woman to serve as a state senator in Tennessee, is born.
Valerie Harper becomes a prominent figure in the Women's Liberation Movement.
Bryce Harper becomes the first overall pick in the 2010 Major League Baseball draft.
With an amazing .649 slug percentage, Bryce Harper leads the National League.
National Harper Day FAQs
What middle name is appropriate for Harper?
Harper works just as well with short names like Ava as it does with longer names like Arabella. It’s a gender-neutral name that goes well with tomboyish names like Alex, Billie, and Georgie, despite its popularity as a girl’s name.
Is Harper a popular name?
Harper is a popular name that has risen from insignificance to near the top of the popularity charts in less than a decade.
What is the correct pronunciation of Harper?
The name Harper should be pronounced “HAHR-pr.”
National Harper Day Activities
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Organize a "name recognition" party
It's a reason to celebrate when you discover the significance of your name. A new chapter in your life begins as you strive to live up to your name's values.
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Share on social media
You can inspire others to do the same if you take your name seriously. On any social media platform where you have a large following, discuss the significance of the day and how you plan to commemorate it with your friends and followers.
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Make it a learning opportunity
If you have children of your own who have been given amazing names, today is a perfect day to share with them why their names were chosen specifically for them, as well as the history and significance of their names. There's never a bad day to share these kinds of experiences with your friends and family!
5 Amazing Facts About Harpers
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Career change
Valerie Harper went from being an actress to becoming an activist.
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Pacesetters
The first African American woman to publish a short story was Frances Harper.
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Charley Harper
The mayor of Cincinnati proclaimed December 8, 2006 "Charley Harper Day" in honor of Cincinnati-based modernist artist, Charley Harper.
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Top gun
In 2015, Harper led the major leagues in on-base percentage—.460 and slugging—.649.
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Two and a half men
Harper is the last name of American actor Charlie Sheen’s character in the popular sitcom "Two and a Half Men.
Why We Love National Harper Day
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We discover our genuine selves
Our names are an important element of who we are. We have the opportunity to explore our true identity as part of this day's celebration. This activity encourages us to become worthy hosts of our names by bringing forth our true selves.
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You learn the origins of your name
Your name is as much a part of your heritage as your roots. Harper Day helps us figure out why we have the name we do and how our parents came up with it.
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It can be a time for contemplation
People's names are frequently the result of their parents' hopes and dreams. Consider these and determine if they correspond with your ambitions or if it’s something you would like to change.
National Harper Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 30 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | August 30 | Friday |
| 2025 | August 30 | Saturday |
| 2026 | August 30 | Sunday |
| 2027 | August 30 | Monday |
