Shepherd Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Shepherd Name Meaning

Fact: Some religions also refer to God as shepherd, as in the name, as he guides and protects his followers.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Shepherd Overview

Meaning

Sheep herder

Gender

Boy

Origin

English

Etymology

Derived from the Old English word “sceaphierde,” combining “sceap” (sheep) and “hierde” (herdsman).

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈʃɛpərd/

Popularity

Shepherd is a familiar name in English-speaking countries, notably in the United States and the United Kingdom​. In 2023, Shepherd ranked #409 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

8 letters

Numerology

11 (Intuitive, Idealistic, Spiritual)

Name Styles

Unique, Cool, Vintage, Occupational

Associated Traits

Caring, nurturing, strong, reliable

Name Day

January 15th
A Deep Dive

Shepherd Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Shephard, Sheppard, Shepard, Shepperd, Shephardson, Shepparton, Sheperd, Shepper, Sheffard, Sheppards

Common Nicknames

Shep, Sheppy, She, Shepster, Shepby, Sheps, Sheppie, Shepsie, Sheper, Shepbo

Diminutives

Sheppy, Sheppie, Shepby, Sheps

Famous People

  • Shepherd Mead
    (American Author)
  • Shepherd Ivory Franz
    (American Neuroscientist)
  • Shepherd Fairey
    (American Artist)
  • Shepherd Bliss
    (American Journalist)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • "The Shepherd"
    (Film)
  • Shepherd Book
    ("Firefly," TV Series)
  • David Shepherd
    ("Kings," TV Series)

Places

  • Shepherd Commuity
    (Montana, USA)
  • Shepherd City
    (Texas, USA)
  • Shepherd Village
    (Michigan, USA)
  • Shepherd Lake
    (Oklahoma, USA)
  • Shepherd's Bush District
    (London, UK)

What Is the Meaning of Shepherd?

Shepherd means “sheep herder” and embodies the qualities of guidance and protection.

What Is the Origin of The Name Shepherd?

The name Shepherd originates from the English word “sceaphyrde,” which directly translates to “sheep herder.”

Shepherd Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Shepherd in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#5292021#4902022#4092023
Top 3 Rankings#4092023#4902022#5292021

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Shepherd

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023409
(+81 from 2022)
779
(+161 from 2022)
0.04254
2022490
(+39 from 2021)
618
(+62 from 2021)
0.03300
2021529
(+64 from 2020)
556
(+94 from 2020)
0.02968
2020593
(+32 from 2019)
462
(+29 from 2019)
0.02498
2019625
(+91 from 2018)
433
(+94 from 2018)
0.02253
2018716
(+74 from 2017)
339
(+47 from 2017)
0.01744
2017790
(+57 from 2016)
292
(+27 from 2016)
0.01475
2016847
(+258 from 2015)
265
(+91 from 2015)
0.01308
20151105
(+48 from 2014)
174
(+10 from 2014)
0.00851
20141153
(+482 from 2013)
164
(+71 from 2013)
0.00800
20131635
(-84 from 2012)
93
(-9 from 2012)
0.00460
20121551
(-18 from 2011)
102
(-1 from 2011)
0.00503
20111533
(+25 from 2010)
103
(+1 from 2010)
0.00507
20101558
(+431 from 2009)
102
(+32 from 2009)
0.00496
20091989
(+115 from 2008)
70
(+5 from 2008)
0.00330
20082104
(+1146 from 2007)
65
(+31 from 2007)
0.00298
20073250
(-369 from 2006)
34
(-5 from 2006)
0.00153
20062881
(+290 from 2005)
39
(+7 from 2005)
0.00178
20053171
(+4363 from 2004)
32
(+23 from 2004)
0.00150
20047534
(-2919 from 2003)
9
(-8 from 2003)
0.00043
20034615
(+2439 from 2002)
17
(+8 from 2002)
0.00081
20027054
(+2188 from 2001)
9
(+3 from 2001)
0.00044
20019242
(-1827 from 2000)
6
(-2 from 2000)
0.00029
20007415
(-279 from 1999)
8
No change from 1999
0.00038
19997136
(-1979 from 1998)
8
(-4 from 1998)
0.00039
19985157
(+942 from 1997)
12
(+3 from 1997)
0.00059
19976099
(+1038 from 1996)
9
(+2 from 1996)
0.00045
19967137
(-1636 from 1995)
7
(-3 from 1995)
0.00035
19955501
(+3296 from 1994)
10
(+5 from 1994)
0.00050
19948797
(-1621 from 1990)
5
(-1 from 1990)
0.00025
19930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19907176
(-1561 from 1989)
6
(-2 from 1989)
0.00028
19895615
(-614 from 1982)
8
(+1 from 1982)
0.00038
19880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19825001
(+1055 from 1979)
7
(+2 from 1979)
0.00037
19810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19796056
(-284 from 1978)
5
No change from 1978
0.00028
19785772
(-1189 from 1977)
5
(-2 from 1977)
0.00029
19774583
(-924 from 1975)
7
(-2 from 1975)
0.00041
19760
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19753659
(-289 from 1971)
9
No change from 1971
0.00055
19740
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19730
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19720
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19713370
(-749 from 1970)
9
(-4 from 1970)
0.00050
19702621
(+974 from 1969)
13
(+6 from 1969)
0.00068
19693595
(-489 from 1968)
7
(-1 from 1968)
0.00038
19683106
(-119 from 1966)
8
No change from 1966
0.00045
19670
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19662987
(-372 from 1965)
8
(-2 from 1965)
0.00044
19652615
(+988 from 1964)
10
(+4 from 1964)
0.00053
19643603
(+445 from 1963)
6
(+1 from 1963)
0.00030
19634048
(-1342 from 1961)
5
(-5 from 1961)
0.00024
19620
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19612706
(+959 from 1960)
10
(+4 from 1960)
0.00046
19603665
(-54 from 1959)
6
No change from 1959
0.00028
19593611
(-52 from 1958)
6
No change from 1958
0.00028
19583559
(-930 from 1956)
6
(-4 from 1956)
0.00028
19570
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19562629
(+134 from 1955)
10
(+1 from 1955)
0.00047
19552763
(-172 from 1954)
9
(-1 from 1954)
0.00043
19542591
(+1208 from 1953)
10
(+5 from 1953)
0.00048
19533799
(-1120 from 1952)
5
(-4 from 1952)
0.00025
19522679
(-225 from 1949)
9
(-1 from 1949)
0.00046
19510
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19492454
(+861 from 1948)
10
(+4 from 1948)
0.00055
19483315
(+418 from 1947)
6
(+1 from 1947)
0.00034
19473733
(-1849 from 1946)
5
(-10 from 1946)
0.00027
19461884
(+1111 from 1945)
15
(+9 from 1945)
0.00091
19452995
(-133 from 1944)
6
(-1 from 1944)
0.00044
19442862
(+676 from 1943)
7
(+2 from 1943)
0.00050
19433538
(-33 from 1941)
5
No change from 1941
0.00034
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19413505
(-45 from 1940)
5
No change from 1940
0.00040
19403460
(-284 from 1938)
5
(-1 from 1938)
0.00042
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19383176
(+373 from 1936)
6
(+1 from 1936)
0.00053
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19363549
(-188 from 1932)
5
(-1 from 1932)
0.00047
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19323361
(-339 from 1930)
6
(-2 from 1930)
0.00056
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19303022
(-256 from 1929)
8
(-1 from 1929)
0.00071
19292766
(+146 from 1927)
9
No change from 1927
0.00081
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19272912
(-346 from 1926)
9
(-2 from 1926)
0.00077
19262566
(+189 from 1925)
11
(+1 from 1925)
0.00096
19252755
(+750 from 1924)
10
(+3 from 1924)
0.00087
19243505
(-733 from 1923)
7
(-3 from 1923)
0.00060
19232772
(+480 from 1922)
10
(+2 from 1922)
0.00088
19223252
(-1099 from 1921)
8
(-7 from 1921)
0.00071
19212153
(+450 from 1920)
15
(+4 from 1920)
0.00132
19202603
(+62 from 1919)
11
(+1 from 1919)
0.00100
19192665
(-122 from 1918)
10
(-1 from 1918)
0.00098
19182543
(+413 from 1917)
11
(+3 from 1917)
0.00105
19172956
(-226 from 1916)
8
(-1 from 1916)
0.00083
19162730
(+662 from 1915)
9
(+3 from 1915)
0.00097
19153392
(-741 from 1914)
6
(-1 from 1914)
0.00068
19142651
(+170 from 1913)
7
(+2 from 1913)
0.00102
19132821
(-277 from 1912)
5
No change from 1912
0.00093
19122544
(-1513 from 1888)
5
No change from 1888
0.00111
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18881031
(-212 from 1887)
5
(-1 from 1887)
0.00385
1887819
(+140 from 1886)
6
(+1 from 1886)
0.00549
1886959
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00420
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Shepherd

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#4662021#4002022#3072023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#3102021#3402022#2602023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#2492021#1942022#1702023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#8322021#8472022#7472023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#3672021#3082022#2342023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1672021#2022022#1722023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#6462021#8612022#6822023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#4872021#3522022#3212023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#2392021#2372022#2202023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#3342021#2782022#2182023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#6262021#8412022#4262023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#4862021#5622022#4642023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#3072021#2242022#2292023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#3622021#3542022#2852023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#4562021#5552022#3392023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#4812021#3782022#3402023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#4782021#2092022#3242023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#9152021#8202022#5552023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#8072021#6942022#5262023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#5782021#3812022#3332023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#4582021#2662022#3332023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#6782021#6342022#8522023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#7942021#8072022#7292023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#5242021#6372022#3602023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#4492021#6452022#4092023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#7692021#8832022#4742023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#5772020#5972021#6842022

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#12142021#15682022#11892023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#5442019#5682021#3522022

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#7742020#5862022#5812023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#7542020#6652021#5542023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#8132020#7542022#8552023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3722020#3842021#3772023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3972018#4782022

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#3232023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#8942022

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#5622023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2592021

Popularity Rankings for Shepherd in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#13882019#6912022#6032023

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Shepherd a Name for Boys or Girls?

Historically, Shepherd has been more commonly used for boys, aligning with its occupation.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Shepherd

Shepherd in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Shepherd Mead (Author, 1914–1994): Wrote the book "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," which was adapted into a successful musical.
  • Shepherd Ivory Franz (Neuroscientist, 1874–1933): Known for his pioneering research on brain plasticity and the visual system.
  • Shepherd Fairey (Artist, 1970): An American graphic designer, best known for his OBEY Giant art project and the "Hope" poster for Barack Obama.
  • Shepherd Bliss (Journalist, 1947): A writer focused on environmental and social issues.
  • Shepherd Book ("Firefly," 2002 TV Series): A mysterious preacher with a dark past who travels with the crew of Serenity.
  • David Shepherd ("Kings," 2009 TV Series): A modern-day soldier who rises to prominence in a fictional monarchy.
  • "The Shepherd" (2008 Film): A martial arts action film where a border patrol agent fights against drug traffickers.
  • Shepherd Community (Montana, USA): A small community in Yellowstone County, known for its rural charm and scenic views.
  • Shepherd City (Texas, USA): A city in San Jacinto County, offering a mix of small-town atmosphere and access to the nearby Lake Livingston.
  • Shepherd Village (Michigan, USA): A village in Isabella County, celebrated for its Maple Syrup Festival and friendly community.
  • Shepherd Lake (Oklahoma, USA): A serene lake in Oklahoma City, providing recreational activities such as fishing and boating.
  • Shepherd's Bush District (London, UK): A vibrant district in West London, known for its diverse culture, shopping centers, and entertainment venues.

Similar Names to Shepherd

  • Sheppard
  • Shepard
  • Sherwood
  • Sherman
  • Sheffer
  • Sherwin
  • Sheffield
  • Sherbourne
  • Shelton
  • Shelny
  • Evarts
  • Ewart
  • Ewert
  • Pastor
  • Berger
  • Schäfer
  • Calfhierde
  • Calbex
  • Malusi
  • Laoghaire

Sibling Names for Shepherd

Parents Who Like the Name Shepherd Also Like

After doing your research, remember to share the name with others. Comment below to share your experience in naming babies.
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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