TheNameDBShepherd
OccupationalMeaning
A person who tends and guards sheep, managing flocks in pasture.
Etymology
From Old English 'sceaphyrde,' a compound of 'sceap' meaning 'sheep' and 'hyrde' meaning 'herder' or 'guardian.' The occupation was fundamental to medieval pastoral economies.
About the Shepherd Surname
Shepherd is a prominent occupational surname reflecting the importance of sheep herding in medieval and early modern agriculture. The surname indicates someone responsible for managing valuable livestock assets.
Distribution
Common in England and Scotland, with significant populations in North America, Australia, and other English-speaking regions.