SHEPPERD
Shepperd
Overview: 'Shepperd' is a British surname with its origin dating back to the medieval period in England. The name is of occupational origin, deriving from the Old English word 'sceap' meaning sheep and 'hirde' meaning herd, indicating a shepherd or someone who cared for sheep.
History: The surname Shepperd is believed to have been first recorded in the early 13th century. The spelling variations of the name include 'Shepherd', 'Shepard', and 'Sheppard', reflecting the evolution of the English language over the centuries.
Distribution: The surname Shepperd is found predominantly in England, with concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Essex. As British surnames often originated from the occupation or place of residence of the bearer, the presence of the name in rural areas aligns with its association with shepherding.
Notable Individuals:
- Edward Shepperd (b. 1950) - An acclaimed British author known for his works on rural life and shepherding practices.
- Sarah Shepperd (1805-1878) - A pioneering female shepherd who broke gender norms in the 19th century farming community.
- Dr. Jonathan Shepperd (b. 1968) - An eminent British veterinarian specialising in sheep husbandry and genetics.
Modern Significance: Though the occupation of shepherding has greatly evolved over the centuries, the surname Shepperd continues to hold significance as a link to Britain's agricultural heritage. The name serves as a reminder of the vital role shepherds played in sustaining rural communities and shaping the British landscape.
In conclusion, the surname Shepperd encapsulates a rich history of pastoral life in England and remains a testament to the enduring legacy of those who tended the flocks across the British countryside.
There are approximately 545 people named Shepperd in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Shepperd.
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
- Christopher
- Daniel
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Nicholas
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Steven
Female
- Annie
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Georgina
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Samantha
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Shepherd
- Shepphard
- Sheppherd
- Shepheard
- Shepard
- Shephard
- Sheppard
- Shapard
- Schaeper
- Schappert
- Shaper
- Shaperd
- Shepper
- Shappard
- Shapperd
- Sheapard
- Sheeparad
- Sheepard
- Shepeard
- Sheperd
- Sheperdson
- Sheppar
- Sheppards
- Sheppart
- Sheppeard
- Shepperdley
- Shepperdly
- Shepperdson
- Sheppers
- Sheppord
- Shiperd
- Shipperd
- Schapper
- Seppard
- Sheapherd
- Shepford
- Shepherds
- Shephered
- Sheppardson
- Sheppee
- Shepperly
- Shepperton
- Sherperd
- Shippard
- Shoppard
- Shpeherd
- Shepardson
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.