Find out how popular the first name Shephard has been for the last 16 years (from 2008 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shephard by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Shephard is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shephard.

The history of the first name Shephard

The name Shephard originates from the Old English word "sceaphierde," which means "shepherd" or "guardian of sheep." This name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon culture and can be traced back to the 5th century CE. The name was originally used to refer to those who tended flocks of sheep, a common occupation in rural areas during that time period.

The name Shephard is derived from the combination of two Old English words, "sceap" meaning "sheep" and "hierde" meaning "guardian" or "keeper." This reflects the pastoral way of life that was prevalent in the early Anglo-Saxon settlements across what is now England and parts of northern Europe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shephard can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a collection of annals documenting the history of the Anglo-Saxons from the 9th century CE. The name appears in various spellings, including "Sceaphierde" and "Scepherde," in the context of describing individuals who worked as shepherds or oversaw the care of sheep.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Shephard. One of the most famous was Shephard of Hermas, a Christian author who lived in the 2nd century CE and wrote "The Shepherd of Hermas," an influential text in early Christian literature.

Another prominent figure was Shephard of Bolton, an English clergyman and author who lived in the 16th century (c. 1546-1616). He is known for his writings on religious matters and his role in the early English Reformation.

In the 17th century, Shephard Toniell (1604-1663) was an English clergyman and author who wrote extensively on theological subjects and served as a chaplain during the English Civil War.

The name Shephard also appears in literary works, such as the character Shephard in the 14th-century English poem "Piers Plowman" by William Langland, which allegorically depicts the struggles of the common people during that era.

In the 18th century, Shephard Muspratt (1749-1826) was a British chemist and inventor who made significant contributions to the field of chemistry and the development of industrial processes.

These examples illustrate the long-standing use of the name Shephard across various contexts, from religious and literary figures to scholars and scientists, reflecting its connection to the pastoral roots of Anglo-Saxon culture and the occupation of shepherding.

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 Shephard was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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