Shepherd Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Shepherd Name Meaning: Occupational name for a shepherd from Middle English words meaning 'sheep' & 'herdsman'

It is claimed that records from before the tenth century show a notable Shepherd family from Dorset with battle-axes on their Coat of Arms. This could refer to an ancient trade of shepherds who had nothing to do with sheep, but who dug defenses with their battle-axes around battlements for Saxon villages. The name became widespread across southern England by the 13th century & also has ancient history in Scotland.

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Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

• 1841
• 1851
• 1861
• 1871
• 1881
• 1891
• 1901
• 1911

Shepherd Surname Statistics

Top Professions for the Shepherd family

• 1841
• 1851
• 1861
• 1871
• 1881
• 1891
• 1901
• 1911

Profession	Census Frequency
Agricultural Labourer	503
Female Servant	344
Independent	240
Farmer	172
Male Servant	140
Labourer	136
Shoe Maker	83
Cotton Weaver	70
Ag Labourer	48
Dress Maker	42
Weaver	39
Apprentice	37
Blacksmith	36
Pauper	35
Tailor	34
Carpenter	34
Joiner	31
Gardener	27
Clerk	23
Coal Miner	23
Cotton Piecer	22
Ag Lab	22
Publican	21
Painter	21
Servant	20