Surname Harpur - Meaning and Origin

Harpur: What does the surname Harpur mean?

The surname Harpur is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is an occupational name for a person who played the harp or who made harps. It is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century word "hearpere", which means harpist, and is first recorded in written documents during the 13th century. The surname, with various spellings, has spread across England, Scotland, and Ireland, and later to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is not a particularly common surname, with only a few famous personalities bearing this last name, such as Canadian poet Michael Harpur and Australian politician Bill Harpur. Literature enthusiasts might also note that Harpur is an alternative spelling for "Harper," a name famously held by American author Harper Lee well-known for writing the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Harpur: Where does the name Harpur come from?

The surname Harpur is of English origin, derived from the old English word 'hearpere,' meaning a player of the harp. Early bearers of this name were believed to be musicians who played the harp. The name was first found in Derbyshire, England, where the family came to prominence in the ancient manor of Swarkston and held their estates.

Although the surname has anglicized as Harper in many parts of the world, Harpur remains common in areas of England and Ireland. The surname Harpur is most prevalent in Australia, and highest density is in Northern Ireland. There are also concentrations of individuals with this surname in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Variants of this surname include Harp, Harper, Harpour, and Hapur. It's worth mentioning notable figures like Edward Harpur and Sir Colville Arthur Durell Harpur, both influential figures in British history. Today the last name Harpur is sparsely scattered globally, maintaining its strongest presence in English-speaking countries.

Variations of the surname Harpur

The surname Harpur originates from the Old French and Anglo-Saxon traditions. The different variants in spelling include Harper, Harpur, Harp, Harpe, Harpor, Harpper and Harppur. These variations arose over time due to a variety of reasons, including regional pronunciation differences and inaccuracies in transcription.

In some cases, the surname may be derived from an occupational name for a person who played the harp for a living. This is the case for the surnames Harper, Harpur and Harpe.

The other versions, Harpor, Harpper and Harppur, could be differences in spelling based on phonetic interpretation. The surname could also have been inherited down different family lineages, leading to variations in spelling over generations.

Additionally, the surnames Harp and Harpor could be derived from geographic locations. It was common for people to be known by the name of the place they came from, or the name of their estate.

Overall, the surname Harpur and its variations point to a rich history and diverse lineage, influenced by cultural, occupational, geographic and family factors.

Famous people with the name Harpur

• George Harpur Crewe: An English naturalist and philanthropist, known for his studies on ornithology and entomology.
• Sir Cecil Harcourt: A prominent British naval officer, famously known for commanding the British Pacific Fleet during World War II.
• Tommy Harpur: Noted Irish footballer who represented his country as a professional player.
• Steve Harpur: A Canadian ice hockey defenseman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1990s.
• Tom Harpur: A popular Canadian author, broadcaster, columnist and theologian.
• James Harpur: A modern-day Irish poet whose works include "The White Silhouette" and "The Dark Age."
• Edward Harpur: An Irish sailor known for his competition in the 1908 Summer Olympics.
• Kate Harpur: An Australian rules footballer.
• Sterling Harpur: A Canadian ice hockey right winger.
• Henry Charles Harpur: A member of the Queensland Legislative Council.
• Ben Harpur: A Canadian ice hockey defenseman for the National Hockey League.
• Vernon Harpur: A former South African cricketer.
• Brett Harpur: An Australian former professional rugby league footballer.
• Jan Harpur: A New Zealand retired female long-distance runner.
• Ian Harpur: An Australian former rugby league footballer.

Other surnames

HaachHaackHaackeHaackerHaafHaaffHaagHaageHaagenHaagerHaagmannHaagmansHaagnerHaahsHaakHaakeHaakerHaakertHaamannHaameaHaanHaaneHaanenHaarbrandtHaarckeHaarkeHaarmannHaartjeHaarwaldtHaas