The surname Harper has its origins in Ireland and is derived from the Old English word hearpere, meaning harpist or musician. The harp was an integral part of Irish culture, and harpists were highly respected members of society. The name Harper was given to individuals who either played the harp or were associated with the instrument in some way.
During the medieval period, the Harpers were known as skilled musicians and poets who wandered the countryside, entertaining people with their melodies and songs. They often held prestigious positions in the courts of Irish kings, where they played a vital role in preserving the country's cultural heritage.
The surname Harper became more prevalent during the 16th and 17th centuries when English colonizers arrived in Ireland. Many Irish families anglicized their names to align with English norms, and Harper was a popular choice due to its association with the harp, symbolizing Irish identity. However, some Irish Harpers also retained their Gaelic names, such as MacCruitín or MacShuibhne, which meant son of the harper.
Over time, the Harpers spread throughout Ireland, and many of them emigrated to other countries, particularly the United States, during waves of Irish immigration. Today, the surname Harper is not exclusively Irish but is widely found in countries with Irish diaspora, carrying with it a legacy of musical talent and cultural significance.
I'm Bóru Harper, the Family Crest Bear and a custodian of Irish heritage who oversees a grand and expansive library of Irish names. My library is a treasure of family history, cataloguing thousands of surnames, including a special collection of over 2,500 names from Irish and Celtic origins.
We invite you to search this extraordinary library, a realm where each name tells a story. Embark on an engaging journey to uncover your family name hidden within these vast archives. In a distinctive and personalized offering, Bóru Harper allows you to immortalise your family's name and crest on his t-shirt, transforming it into a proud emblem of your family history.
Suitable for children from 36 months, Bóru, the Family Crest Bear is a large charming Irish teddy bear with tweed trousers, a matching flat cap and his t-shirt is personalized with your own family crest. Made with all new synthetic materials he sits 30cm / 12 in. tall (38cm / 15 in. from top to toes), has soft brown fur and features the Paddy Pals motif on his pad. Paddy Pals are loved by both children and adults with their traditional Irish attire and welcoming smile. The best things in life are the people we love, the places we have been and the memories we have made along the way.
Dispatched from County Down, Northern Ireland, Paddy Pals bears are delivered worldwide for FREE!
Standard Free Shipping - Airmail. Delivered in approx. 7-9 working days (Faster
shipping options also available when checking out).
In the unlikely event you are not satisfied with your purchase we offer a 30 days full money back guarantee.
| Materials | Polyester fiberfill. Polyurethane foam |
|---|---|
| Colour | Brown |
| Age | Suitable for children from 36 months |
| Cleaning | Hand wash only |
| Conformity | European Standard EN71 |
|---|---|
| EAN | 5055374500149 |
| Weight | 0.3kg (0.7lbs) |
| Height | 30cm (11.8 inches) |
Gaeilge
English