Surname Harpour - Meaning and Origin

Harpour: What does the surname Harpour mean?

The surname Harpour is a variant of the English name Harper, which has occupational roots. The name originally denoted someone who made, played, or sold harps. It comes from the Old English word 'Hearpere', with 'Hearpe' meaning harp. A harper was one of the most popular entertainers in the medieval times and the harp was one of the principal musical instruments. Due to the wide geography and long history, the name also appears in various forms in early English records including Harpour, Harpar, Harpur, and Harp. It's widely spread in English-speaking countries including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s important to remember that surnames were often subject to differing spellings before the English language was standardized in the late nineteenth century.

Harpour: Where does the name Harpour come from?

The surname Harpour is of Anglo-Saxon origin, most likely derived from the profession of a "harper" or someone who played the harp. This profession surname trend was common during the Middle Ages, indicating the job or trade of the person. Additionally, the spelling Harpour could indicate a geographical origin with "Har" referring to a place such as a hill or a river, and "pour" meaning for or by.

Due to the various voyages and migrations over centuries, this surname has found its way to different parts of the world. However, it is not considered a common surname today. This could be due to many reasons, including generations of women changing their names upon marriage or variations in the spelling over time which has changed the original surname. Specific regions where Harpour is common today are hard to pinpoint due to its rare usage. Nevertheless, taking into account its origin, it is safe to speculate its presence in areas that were influenced by Anglo-Saxon settlers, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Harpour

The surname Harpour seems to be a rare or modified version of the name Harper. The name Harper is of English, Scottish, and Irish origin. The name was historically given to those who played the harp or who made harps. Variants and alternative spellings of this surname include Harpur, Harpor, Harpper, and Harp.

Harper is the most commonly used spelling today, particularly in English-speaking countries. The spelling Harpur appears in older English and Irish records. Harpor and Harpper are less common and may represent either erroneous transcriptions or attempts at phonetic renderings of the name.

Some researchers also connect the Harper name to the Germanic surname Happ or Harp, which has similar meanings and could have been Anglicized as Harper in some cases.

In Scotland, the name Ardghal O'Harper was common, 'Ardghal’ meaning 'valour’ or ‘manliness,’ with 'O' signifying a grandson or descendant. This name was later shortened and modified to just Harper.

In terms of surnames of the same origin, those related to musical instruments or professions (like Fletcher for arrow-makers or Smith for blacksmiths) could be considered similar in origin.

Famous people with the name Harpour

• Paul Harpur: Australian barrister and lawmaker
• Jordan McGarry: Professional Hockey Player
• Ali Harpur: Actor and comedian
• Kris Harpur: Singer and songwriter
• Brad Harpur: American Stock Car Driver
• Alex Harpur: Former Vice President at Goldman Sachs
• Izzy Harpur: British fashion model
• Robert Harpur: Senior Banking Executive
• Richard Harpur: English Quiz Show Host
• Mike Harpur: Canadian Actor and Inspirational Speaker
• Sam Harpur: British Social Entrepreneur
• Joanna Harpur: Renowned Activist and Conservationist
• Elizabeth Harpur: Renowned British Businesswoman
• Jasmine Harpur: Award-winning British Interior Designer
• David Harpur: English Television Actor

Other surnames

Harpor