SHEPERD
Sheperd
Definition
Sheperd is a British surname of English origin. It is derived from the occupation of a shepherd, one who tends to sheep or other types of livestock. The spelling variation 'Shepherd' is more commonly seen today.
History
The surname Sheperd has ancient origins, dating back to the Middle Ages when surnames were first introduced in England. It is believed to have been used to designate individuals who worked as shepherds, a common occupation in rural areas.
Over time, the surname Sheperd spread across different regions of the British Isles, with various branches of the family establishing themselves in different parts of the country. The name may have evolved through different spellings and pronunciations as it passed down through generations.
Notable Individuals
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John Shepherd (1700–1743): A renowned landscape artist known for his paintings of rural countryside scenes in England.
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Mary Shepherd (1809–1888): An early advocate for women's rights and education in the Victorian era.
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Michael Shepherd (1926–2019): A prominent British poet and author known for his works exploring nature and the human experience.
Modern Day
The surname Sheperd continues to be present in contemporary British society, with individuals bearing the name found in various professions and walks of life. While the original occupation of shepherding may not be as common today, the name carries historical significance and serves as a link to the past.
Overall, the surname Sheperd reflects the rich heritage and cultural diversity of the British Isles, highlighting the importance of traditional occupations and the enduring nature of family names through the generations.
There are approximately 176 people named Sheperd in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Sheperd.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christian
- Christopher
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Lee
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Ryan
- Stuart
Female
- Amie
- Denise
- Elizabeth
- Jennifer
- Joanne
- Julia
- Julie
- Karen
- Leanne
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Sarah
- Susan
- Vivienne
Similar and related surnames
- Shapard
- Shaper
- Schaeper
- Schaper
- Cheeper
- Shaperd
- Chapart
- Chopard
- Shapherd
- Shappard
- Shapperd
- Sheapard
- Sheapherd
- Sheeparad
- Sheepard
- Shefferd
- Shepard
- Shepardson
- Shepeard
- Sheperdson
- Shepford
- Shephard
- Shepheard
- Shepherd
- Shepherds
- Shephered
- Shephird
- Shephord
- Sheppar
- Sheppard
- Sheppards
- Sheppardson
- Sheppart
- Sheppeard
- Shepper
- Shepperd
- Shepperdley
- Shepperdly
- Shepperdson
- Sheppers
- Sheppherd
- Sheppord
- Sherd
- Shered
- Sherperd
- Shipard
- Shiperd
- Shippard
- Shipperd
- Shoppard
- Shpeherd
- Tchiprout
- Sheperdigian
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.