What does the surname Sheperd mean?

The surname Sheperd means "One who tends sheep, a shepherd.". It is of English origin.

How common is the Sheperd surname?

There are approximately 3,000 people with the surname Sheperd in the United States.

Are there Sheperd soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 187 soldiers with the Sheperd surname appear in Civil War records.

Sheperd

Occupational

Meaning

One who tends sheep, a shepherd.

Etymology

Derived from Old English 'sceap' (sheep) and 'hierde' (herd, guardian), representing an occupational surname. The variant spelling reflects historical spelling variations in English surnames.

About the Sheperd Surname

A variant spelling of the common Shepherd surname, reflecting occupational origins in pastoral communities. The name appears in historical records with multiple spelling variations.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 3,000 bearers in the United States #2,235 most common surname

Rare Common

Found in England and English-speaking countries, with particular concentration in North America.

Sheperd Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Sheperd Surname

William Sheperd

Captain

Quick Facts

Origin: English
Classification: Occupational
Earliest Record: 14th century England
Estimated Bearers: 3,000

War Records

187 soldiers with the Sheperd surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →