Summary

The surname Napier is of Scottish origin and is derived from the occupational name for a maker or seller of tablecloths or table linens. The name is derived from the Middle English word 'nap(pe)' meaning 'nap' or 'napery', which refers to a fabric with a raised surface. Napier is also an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac an Opaire, meaning 'son of the apostle'.
There are
19182
Napiers in the USA
Napier is the
1872nd
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Napier

JohnNapier

John Napier was a Scottish mathematician, physicist, and astronomer who is best known for his invention of logarithms, a mathematical concept that revolutionized computation.

CharlesNapier

Charles Napier was a British military general known for his role in the conquest of Sindh in modern-day Pakistan during the British Raj.

WilliamNapier

William Napier was an English historical novelist, best known for his series of books set during the Napoleonic Wars, collectively known as the 'Peninsular War Saga'.

FrancisNapier

Francis Napier, 10th Lord Napier, was a British diplomat and colonial administrator who served as the Governor of Madras and the Governor of Bombay during the British Raj.

MarkNapier

Mark Napier is a computer artist and programmer known for his work in exploring the intersection of art and technology, particularly in the field of digital art.

BillNapier

Bill Napier is a Scottish astronomer and author known for his research on comets and his popular science books exploring the cosmic impact hazard.

AlanNapier

Alan Napier was an English actor best known for his role as Alfred Pennyworth, the butler of Bruce Wayne/Batman, in the 1960s 'Batman' television series.

NapierShelton

Napier Shelton was an American football player who played as a running back for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL and was a two-time Super Bowl champion.

MeganNapier

Megan Napier is an Australian field hockey player who has represented her country in international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Cups.

JamesNapier

James Napier is a New Zealand actor and musician, best known for his role as Fili in 'The Hobbit' film trilogy.

Napier Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Napier' is of Scottish origin and is derived from the medieval Scottish given name 'Naper', which itself is of uncertain etymology. It may be a variant of the name 'Neper', which referred to a person who lived near a hill or knoll.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Napier' is primarily found in Scotland, particularly in the areas around Edinburgh and Glasgow. There are also smaller concentrations of the name in England, Australia, and the United States.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Napier' include 'Napper' and 'Napper-Haig'.
Migration and ImmigrationAs an Scottish surname, 'Napier' may have been carried by Scottish immigrants to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, particularly during periods of Scottish emigration.