SHEWARD
Sheward
Sheward is an English surname of medieval origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Sigeweard," which means "victory guard." The name is patronymic in nature, indicating descent from a male ancestor named Sigeweard.
Distribution and History
The surname Sheward is most commonly found in the English counties of Staffordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire. It has been recorded in various forms throughout history, including Sheppard, Sheppherd, and Shepphard, reflecting the variations in spelling prevalent in earlier records.
Notable Bearers
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John Sheward: A notable historical figure bearing the surname Sheward, who played a significant role in the local governance of Staffordshire in the 17th century.
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Margaret Sheward: A pioneering female academic in the field of botany, who contributed to the study of indigenous plant species in the British Isles during the Victorian era.
Modern Significance
In contemporary times, individuals bearing the surname Sheward can be found in diverse professions and walks of life, contributing to the rich tapestry of British society.
References:
- P. Hanks and F. Hodges, A Dictionary of Surnames (Oxford University Press, 1988).
- J. Smith, The Origins of English Surnames (Penguin Books, 2010).
There are approximately 748 people named Sheward in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,232nd most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Sheward.
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
- Alan
- Andrew
- Darren
- David
- Graham
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- William
Female
- Ami
- Ann
- Anne
- Fiona
- Janice
- Jean
- Joanne
- Jodie
- Kerry
- Linda
- Margaret
- Penelope
- Sandra
- Victoria