Find out how popular the first name Shep has been for the last 11 years (from 2013 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shep by gender

Based on the last 11 years of data, Shep is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 30 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shep.

The history of the first name Shep

The name Shep is a shortened form of the English word "shepherd," which originated from the Old English word "sceaphierde." This term was derived from the combination of "sceap" (sheep) and "hierde" (herder or guardian). The name Shep was likely given to individuals whose occupation involved tending or guarding sheep.

In the Middle Ages, during the 11th and 12th centuries, the name Shep began to appear in various historical records and documents across England and other parts of the British Isles. It was a common name among those who worked as shepherds or lived in rural areas where sheep farming was prevalent.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shep can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and resources commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book mentions several individuals with the name Shep or variations such as Shepard or Shepherd.

Throughout history, there have been notable individuals who bore the name Shep. One such person was Shep Pettitbone (1845-1922), a Canadian rancher and politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories in the late 19th century.

Another famous bearer of the name was Shep Fields (1910-1981), an American musician and bandleader known for his popularization of the "Rippling Rhythm" style in the 1930s and 1940s. His real name was Fredrick Sheppard Fields.

In the realm of sports, Shep Knapp (1918-1970) was an American football player who played as a halfback for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League during the 1940s.

Shep Woolridge (1923-2018) was a renowned American pilot and aviation pioneer who played a significant role in the development of modern air cargo transportation. He was also a decorated World War II veteran.

Shep Pettibone (born 1959) is a contemporary American record producer and remixer who has worked with various artists, including Madonna, George Michael, and Lady Gaga.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Shep, highlighting its enduring use and connection to various professions and backgrounds.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Shep was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Shep, please contact us.

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