National Harper Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

National Harper Day occurs annually on August 30. It honours individuals with the name Harper and grants them special consideration. The name ‘Harper’ is occasionally passed down from previous generations, and it is associated with some of the most esteemed members of a mediaeval baronial hall, particularly in Scotland and northern England. The name is almost certainly an Anglicised form of the Gaelic ‘Mac Chruiteir,’ which means’son of the harper.’ This surname has a long history in Ireland.

The background of National Harper Day

After a lengthy history as a surname, the popularity of Harper as a given name has increased over the past two decades. It is derived from the word ‘harp,’ which refers to a stringed musical instrument, and means ‘harp performer.’

In ancient times, noblemen and aristocrats frequently employed musicians in their residences for entertainment. In mediaeval baronial assemblies, harpists were among the most prominent figures. Ancient Irish law accorded harpists noble status due to the sophistication of their music.

Harper is a member of the expanding trend of surnames being used as first names. In 2004, the name appeared for the first time on the Social Security Administration’s list of the top 1,000 female names. Harper debuted at No. 887 and rose 234 positions between 2005 and 2006. It progressively increased in popularity over the years, eventually entering the top 10 in 2015. It reached its zenith in 2018 and 2019, when Harper was ranked ninth.

Harper is infrequently used as a boy’s name, but it is significantly less common for boys than for girls. In 1905, it was the 683rd most prevalent boys’ name. By 1907, however, it had dropped out of the top 1,000 most popular male names.

Characters with the name Harper in popular television programmes such as “Gossip Girl,” “Girl Meets World,” and “Wizard of Waverly Place” helped to popularise it. The name may have gained popularity due to renewed interest in Harper Lee, the author of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

DAY OF NATIONAL HARPER ACTIVITIES

Create a celebration for “name recognition”

When you discover the meaning of your name, you have reason to revel. You commence a new chapter in your life as you strive to uphold the values associated with your name.

Share via social networks

By taking your name seriously, you can motivate others to do the same. Discuss with your friends and followers on any social media platform where you have a large following the significance of the day and how you plan to observe it.

Make it an opportunity to learn

If you have children who have been given extraordinary names, today is a great time to share with them the history and significance of their names, as well as why their names were chosen specifically for them. There is never a poor time to share such experiences with your family and friends!

5 OUTRAGEOUS FACTS ABOUT HARPERS

Valerie Harper transitioned from an actress to an activist.

Frances Harper was the first African-American lady to publish a short story.

The mayor of Cincinnati proclaimed December 8, 2006 as “Charley Harper Day” in honour of the modernist artist from Cincinnati, Charley Harper.

Harper led the major leagues in on-base percentage (.460) and slugging percentage (.649) in 2015.

Harper is the surname of the iconic sitcom character played by Charlie Sheen in “Two and a Half Men.”

NATIONAL HARPER DAY DATES