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      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Shepard

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Sheep Herder

      Variations

      Shardea, Sheadon, Sharde
      The name Shepard, derived from English origins, finds its etymology in the combination of two separate words: 'sheep' and 'herder.' As the name suggests, its meaning is rooted in the occupation of tending to and guiding sheep. Historically, the name Shepard has been closely associated with the profession of shepherding, which played a significant role in agrarian societies throughout Europe, particularly in the British Isles. In ancient times, shepherds were responsible for the care and protection of flocks, with their expertise highly valued for the production of wool, meat, and other vital resources.

      The name Shepard has left its mark on history through the well-known literary figure of Moses, who tended his father-in-law's sheep in the biblical account. Moreover, it has been a popular name since medieval times, often indicating family lineages involved in sheep farming or wool production. In modern-day usage, the name Shepard continues to be commonly found, with a range of alternative spellings like Shepherd also observed. While some individuals still bear this name due to direct ancestral connections, others adopt it as a choice of identity or out of admiration for the historical significance and symbolism associated with shepherding.

      Based on our records...

      Johnson

      Johnson

      This is the most common surname associated with Shepard.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Shepard.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name for a child of a Shepard.
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      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1884 is when there were the most people born with the first name Shepard.

      Explore the origins of another name.