SHEPPARD
Sheppard
Origin Sheppard is an English surname with origins in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English word "sceap" meaning sheep, and the occupational suffix "-ard," which denotes a shepherd or someone who tended to sheep.
History The Sheppard surname was often given to individuals who worked as shepherds or had associations with sheep farming. In medieval England, sheep farming was a prominent occupation due to the abundance of wool as a valuable commodity.
Variations Over time, the spelling of the Sheppard surname has evolved, leading to variations such as Shepherd, Shephard, and Shepard. These variations can be attributed to differences in pronunciation and dialects across different regions.
Notable People
- Jack Sheppard (1702-1724): A notorious English thief and jailbreaker who became a celebrity figure in London during the 18th century.
- Alan Sheppard (1923-1998): A British diplomat who served as the British High Commissioner to Australia from 1979 to 1982.
- Cybill Shepherd: An American actress and former model, known for her roles in television series such as "Moonlighting" and "Cybill."
Genealogy The Sheppard surname has a rich genealogical history, with many individuals tracing their ancestry back to England. It is a common surname in English-speaking countries and has spread to various parts of the world through immigration and colonization.
Coat of Arms The Sheppard family crest typically features symbols associated with sheep farming, such as sheep, shepherds' crooks, or pastoral scenes. The coat of arms may vary depending on the specific branch of the family and its history.
Modern Usage Today, the Sheppard surname continues to be used by individuals of English descent and has become a part of their heritage and identity. Many Sheppards have maintained connections to their roots and take pride in their family history.
Overall, the Sheppard surname carries a legacy of pastoral work and rural life, reflecting the traditions and occupations of medieval England.
There are approximately 21,875 people named Sheppard in the UK. That makes it the 392nd most common surname in Britain. Around 336 in a million people in Britain are named Sheppard.
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
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Shepherd
- Shephard
- Shepperd
- Shepard
- Shepheard
- Shepphard
- Sheppherd
- Shappard
- Shapard
- Shippard
- Shapperd
- Sheppar
- Sheppara
- Seppard
- Shaperd
- Sheapard
- Sheard
- Sheeparad
- Sheepard
- Shepardson
- Shepeard
- Sheperd
- Sheppards
- Sheppardson
- Sheppart
- Sheppeard
- Shepper
- Shepperdley
- Shepperdly
- Sheppord
- Shipard
- Shoppard
- Shepford
- Shephards
- Sheppad
- Shepperdson
- Sheppers
- Shiperd
- Shipperd
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.