510 documented Harper ancestors — traced through census, vital, cemetery, and newspaper records. Every name below is a real person in the public record.
510Documented ancestors
1800Earliest record
9Generations
The name
Origin & meaning of Harper
A documented family surname appearing throughout the public record, traced here through census, vital, and cemetery records.
Documented across the American record; part of a growing network of family histories.
Documented families
Harper families we’ve reconstructed
Real Harper family groups pieced together from the public record — parents, spouse, and children, each with the source that proves it. Recognize your line? Tap a family and we’ll start your documented tree from it.
Chester County, Pennsylvania → Jackson Township, Putnam County, Ohio
parentsAlexander Harper & Margaret Rigg
Margaret Harper⚭ John Watterson
childrenRachael Ann Watterson · James Alexander Watterson · Samuel Watterson · William Harper Watterson · Sarah J. Watterson · George Owens Watterson · John Davis Watterson · Charles Sherman Watterson
William H. Harper⚭ Clarissa (maiden name garbled in OCR
childrenMary A. (wife of R. K. Cyphers) · Thomas W. (attorney, Terre Haute, Indiana) · James H. (enlisted in Ohio volunteer infantry at age 15, taken prisoner)
Found your Harper? We trace the whole line — both sides, back to the documented wall — into a written book & interactive family site. No DNA test; a free call before you spend a dollar.
Common questions
Harper genealogy — FAQ
Where does the Harper surname come from?
A documented family surname appearing throughout the public record, traced here through census, vital, and cemetery records.
How far back does the Harper family tree go?
The documented line here reaches back to 1800. Most Harper lines can be traced to the end of the surviving public record.
Are living Harper family members listed here?
No. Deceased ancestors only, from public records. Living people are excluded for privacy.
Is this my Harper family?
If a name here matches your family, it may well be. A full documented build confirms exactly how your line connects.