Word Names Ending in -per: Jasper, Harper and Whisper

The genial yet upscale and preppy Cooper was one of the first occupational last names to catch on -- and Cooper remains a pleasing option.

It's a beautiful burnished metal -- but also slang for policeman.

Other occupational names would be more commonly accepted, though the Mad Men character has certainly brought it to the fore.

Harper got its start as a celebrity baby name when Paul Simon chose it for his now-grown son. Since then, other famous parents have followed suit: musician Tim Finn and actor Cecilia Peck both have sons called Harper.

Lively, friendly surname that might appeal to basketball fans.

Sean and Robin Wright Penn chose this name for their son to honor their friend Dennis Hopper; others might associate it with the painter Edward. Couldn't be more spirited.

Jasper originated as a variation of the Latin Gaspar, which ultimately derived from the Persian word ganzabara, meaning "bringer of treasure." As a given name, Jasper’s etymology is unrelated to that of the gemstone, which comes from a Semitic word meaning "speckled stone." Jasper is the usual English form for one of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Christ according to medieval tradition and appears in the Bible as a reference to the stone itself in Revelations 4:3.

Juniper is a nature name that we really like. While it's trendiest for girls -- about 2500 baby girls were named Juniper in 2022 versus 34 baby boys -- the most notable Juniper in history was the saint Brother Juniper, a follower of Saint Francis renowned for his generosity. Blessed Junipero Serra, who founded the first of the California Missions, took his name from the earlier Saint Juniper.

Kipper is an uncommon masculine name with Germanic and English origins. Traditionally, it refers to someone who cures fish (particularly herring) by splitting, salting, and smoking—a kipper being a type of preserved fish. As a personal name, it may have evolved from a nickname or occupational surname. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its bouncy consonants and informal feel. In children's literature, Kipper is known as the name of a popular dog character created by Mick Inkpen. While rare as a given name, Kipper has a playful, unpretentious charm that might appeal to parents seeking something distinctive and cheerful. It suggests someone with a down-to-earth, practical nature and perhaps a bit of whimsy.

With its bubbly sounds and stylish feel, Pepper joins a small but distinctive group of names inspired by the spice rack: Saffron, Juniper, Cassia, Sage, Ginger, and Rosemary. Enough like Pippa, Piper and Penelope that it feels usable, Pepper has appeared every year in the US stats since the 60s.

So simple, yet so unique: a prime candidate for export. Pronunciation is like the English pair or pear.

Piper's rising popularity for girls makes it an unlikely masculine choice.

In France, pronounced PRO-spare, Prosper is a fairly common name; here it presents a worthy aspirational message for a child.

Cowboyish occupational name that's one of the hottest choices below the Top 1000, increasing in rank more than 5000 places since the year 2000. Roper may not be a unique choice much longer.

Sure, and we hope he has a good time playing with Buster and Buddy.

The nickname of Mrs. Al Gore (born Mary Elizabeth), bestowed because her favorite childhood lullaby was "Tippy Tippy Tin," should remain her exclusive property.