Sheppard Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Sheppard Name Meaning: An English/Scottish name thought to have originated from the words 'sceap' and 'hierde' meaning 'herd men' or 'guard'.

An occupational name for a herdsman, someone that was associated with the looking after/guarding of sheep.

Discover how your Sheppard ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Sheppard Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Sheppard family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 1,032
Agricultural Labourer 295
Labourer 109
House Servant 76
Dress Maker 65
Coal Miner 58
Servant 56
Laundress 44
General Servant 38
House Keeper 36
Carpenter 33
Carter 31
Blacksmith 31
Gardener 30
Shoe Maker 28
Cotton Weaver 27
Tailor 23
Cook 19
House Maid 18
Domestic Servant 17
Errand Boy 15
Grocer 14
Farm Labourer 14
Farmer 14
Butcher 13

Sheppard Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Shepherd 75% 135,807
2 Sheppard 100% 68,947
3 Shepperd 88% 14,067
4 Shepard 88% 7,664
5 Sheperd 75% 1,913
6 Sheppherd 78% 1,277
7 Shippard 88% 1,270
8 Sheppeard 89% 393
9 Shappard 88% 390
10 Shipperd 75% 187
11 Sheppered 78% 102

Did you know?

The surname Sheppard is the 2nd most popular variant of Shepherd.

Search for the Sheppard family