Find out how popular the first name Sheppard has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sheppard by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Sheppard is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 38 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Sheppard.

The history of the first name Sheppard

The name Sheppard originates from the Old English word "sceaphierde," which means "shepherd" or "keeper of sheep." It is derived from the words "sceap" (sheep) and "hierde" (herd, guard, or keeper). The name has been in use since the early medieval period in England and was initially an occupational surname given to those who tended flocks of sheep.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book, a survey of land and property conducted in England in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. The name is listed as "Sceaphierde" and refers to individuals who held the occupation of shepherding.

In the 12th century, the name appeared in the form "Shepard" in various historical records and documents, such as the Curia Regis Rolls and the Pipe Rolls. During this period, the name was associated with the pastoral lifestyle prevalent in many parts of England.

The Bible contains several references to shepherds, such as the shepherds who visited the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem. However, the name Sheppard itself is not explicitly mentioned in religious scriptures.

Notable individuals who bore the name Sheppard throughout history include:

1. William Sheppard (c. 1595-1675), an English Puritan minister and co-founder of Harvard College.
2. Thomas Sheppard (1605-1659), an English politician and member of the Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War.
3. Jack Sheppard (1702-1724), an infamous English thief and jail-breaker in the early 18th century, whose exploits were widely publicized and romanticized.
4. Mary Sheppard (1710-1788), an English poet and author known for her religious works.
5. William Sheppard (1737-1817), an American jurist and statesman who served as a delegate to the Continental Congress.

The name Sheppard has maintained its connection to the pastoral and agricultural traditions of England, with many individuals bearing this name historically associated with rural communities and sheep farming. Its enduring use reflects the importance of shepherding in the cultural heritage of England and the broader English-speaking world.

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

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

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