About the Harper family coat-of-arms:

Motto: Et suavis et fortis "Both gentle and strong"

Arms: Argent, a lion rampant sable langued gules, a bordure engrailed.

Crest: A boar passant or, ducally gorged, langued and crined gules.

The surname "Harper" as with many family names probably orginated by one who played the harp. Although many Harpers probably served as court musicians or minstrals, the name may also indicate a member of the Celtic priesthood. The Celtic priesthood had three divisions: Poets, who composed sacred sagas and poems, Bards, who recited the sacred poems, and Harpers, who set them to music.

While no attempt has been made here to trace the ancient English family who was officially granted this coat-of-arms and entitled to display it, it is widely accepted "unofficially" by those who carry the Harper name.