Sheppard

“Sheppard - meaning 'sheep herder'”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#3214US 2023

38Births / yr

↑Rising

538All-time births

📅 Since 188000

What does Sheppard mean and where does it come from?

Sheppard is derived from the Old English word 'sceaphierde', meaning 'sheep herder'. Traditionally, the name was occupational, given to those who tended flocks of sheep, and has been used since medieval times. It has variants such as Shepherd. In modern contexts, the name signifies caring and guidan

Cultural significance

Sheppard has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sheppard - meaning 'sheep herder'.

Peak popularity

Reached #1041 in 1880 — currently #3214 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Sheppard?

Sheppard works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Sheppard Grace

How popular is Sheppard right now?

Rising fast — up 463 spots — currently #3214 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#3214 · Top 2.4%

1915

1920

1940

1950

1955

1960

1965

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3214	38	▲ up 463 · +23% births
2022	#3677	31	▲ up 220 · +11% births
2021	#3897	28	▲ up 487 · +27% births
2020	#4384	22	▲ up 1608 · +57% births
2015	#5992	14	▲ up 1600 · +40% births
2010	#7592	10	▼ down 475
2005	#7117	10	▲ up 3264 · +100% births
2000	#10381	5	▼ down 7108 · -29% births
1965	#3273	7	▼ down 164 · -12% births
1960	#3109	8	▲ up 116 · +14% births
1955	#3225	7	▼ down 763 · -30% births
1950	#2462	10	▲ up 1037 · +100% births
1940	#3499	5	▲ up 341 · -17% births
1920	#3840	6	▼ down 419
1915	#3421	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Sheppard

Best Year1950Rank #2462

Peak Count38

Average Rank#4606

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202315 years

The story of Sheppard

Sheppard has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 538 total births recorded, Sheppard remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1041 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3214 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Sheppard in 1880:

John William James Charles George

Sheppard by decade

Sheppard peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1910s	36
1920s	47
1930s	30
1940s	40
1950s	74
1960s	26
1970s	24
1980s	5
1990s	6
2000s	60
2010s ★	163
2020s	22

💎Sheppard has only 538 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Sheppard?

Common

SheShieShyEppard

What names sound and feel like Sheppard?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sheppard also consider these

Shephard

American · Shepherd, one who

American · a surname referring

Reppard

England · A variant of

American · From the valley

Common questions about the name Sheppard

What does the name Sheppard mean?

Sheppard means "Sheppard - meaning 'sheep herder'" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Sheppard?

Sheppard is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Sheppard have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Sheppard?

Sheppard originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Sheppard trending right now?

Sheppard is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.

Is Sheppard a common or rare name?

Sheppard is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.