Shepard
Complete Name Analysis & Etymology Guide
3,450 Total Births
145 Years of Data
2022 Peak Popularity Year
253 Peak Births

Shepard Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

The name Shepard originates from Old English, meaning 'sheep herder.' It has evolved from 'sceaphierde' to 'schepherde' and finally to its modern form. The name reflects traits of guidance and care, although it does not have biblical relevance. It gained popularity primarily as a surname in medieval England and has been used as a given name since the 19th century. Variants include Shepherd and Sheppard. Today, it is perceived as a traditional name associated with pastoral imagery, with notable figures contributing to its contemporary recognition.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Shepard"

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Pronunciation

/ˈʃɛpərd/

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Origin

Old English

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Etymology

The name Shepard is derived from the Old English word 'sceaphierde,' which means 'sheep herder.' It was originally used as a surname for someone who tended sheep.

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Meaning

sheep herder

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Language Evolution

Old English: sceaphierde, Middle English: schepherde, Modern English: Shepard

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Historical Usage

The name gained popularity as a surname in medieval England and has been used as a given name since the 19th century.

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Variants & Derivatives

Shepherd, Sheppard, Shep

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Modern Popularity & Image

Today, Shepard is seen as a traditional and strong name, often associated with care and guidance, reflecting its pastoral roots.

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Famous People

Shepard Fairey, an American street artist and graphic designer, Shepard Smith, an American television journalist

📊 Shepard Name Trend Analysis

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Boy Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Stable
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable
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Girl Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Stable
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable

Explore More Shepard Name Visualizations

✨ Shepard Name Meaning & Significance

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Popularity Trend

Less Common name with 253 peak births in 2022

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Geographic Spread

Popular across 30 US states, with strongest presence in Tennessee

Historical Span

Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends

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Generational Impact

Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity

🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Shepard" - Complete Guide (4 Names)

Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Shepard". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 4 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.

Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Shepard" that fits your preferences.

Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Shepard"

Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Yearly Ranking History of "Shepard"

"Shepard" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Boy 2508th of 7545 169
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Boy 2597th of 6773 159
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Boy 2710th of 7552 174
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 5127th of 10718 63
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 8429th of 16616 51
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Boy 3076th of 24088 529
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Boy 1069th of 23106 2,300
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Girl 30306th of 30306 5

Regional Popularity of "Shepard" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- 74.33%
1025th/1379
- -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- 78.86%
1227th/1556
- -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- 67.94%
1651st/2430
- -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - - -
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
71.85%
3292nd/4582
71.90%
3713th/5164
40.95%
2995th/7313
39.96%
2982nd/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
32.93%
1312th/3984
38.04%
1707th/4487
12.40%
846th/6822
20.81%
1306th/6276

Regional Popularity of "Shepard" by Generation for Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - - -
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - - -
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - - -

State-by-State Popularity of "Shepard"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Shepard" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.

Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Shepard" in the United States

The name Shepard is most popular in Tennessee, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Shepard has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Shepard' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2508th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2597th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2710th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5127th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8429th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3076th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1069th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 30306th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Shepard' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Infographic: Shepard name meaning, origin, and popularity trends in the United States (US baby name analysis chart)
[600x500px image] Etymology and historical popularity of Shepard,