How common is the Shepherd surname?

There are approximately 650,000 people with the surname Shepherd in the United States.

Are there Shepherd soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 1,830 soldiers with the Shepherd surname appear in Civil War records.

Shepherd

Q: What does the surname Shepherd mean?

The surname Shepherd means "A person who tends and guards sheep, managing flocks in pasture.". It is of English origin.

Occupational

Meaning

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 & Frequency

Estimated 650,000 bearers in the United States #109 most common surname

Rare Common

Common in England and Scotland, with significant populations in North America, Australia, and other English-speaking regions.

Shepherd Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

Edwin Shepherd

Controller of Shipping Board

F.N. Shepherd

Morris Shepherd

William Shepherd

2nd Lieutenant, U.S.A.

Quick Facts

Origin: English
Classification: Occupational
Estimated Bearers: 650,000

War Records

1,830 soldiers with the Shepherd surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →