Dictionary of Family Names

NAPIER.   It is said that Donald, a son of the Earl of Lennox, for his bravery in battle, had his name changed by the king to Napier.  After the battle, as the manner is, every one advancing and setting forth his own acts, the king said unto them, "Ye have all done valiantly, but there is one among you who hath Na Pier," and the king gave him lands in Fife and Goffurd.  The name came, however, from taking charge of the king's napery or linen at the coronation of English kings, an office held by William De Hastings, in the time of Henry I.