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
Scholar	1,478
Agricultural Labourer	400
House Servant	228
Labourer	168
At Home	158
Farm Labourer	139
Dress Maker	112
Servant	108
Annuitant	60
General Servant	60
Pauper	59
Coal Miner	58
Laundress	55
Farm Servant	45
House Keeper	43
Weaver	43
Tailor	41
Groom	40
Scholar At Home	39
Shoe Maker	33
Blacksmith	33
Farmers Son	32
Farmer	32
Gardener	32
Cook	31