Shepherd is an English surname and given name of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English word "scēp" which means shepherd or farmer. The name was originally given to people who worked as shepherds, tending to livestock such as sheep.
The name Shepherd has a long history dating back to medieval times in England. During this period, surnames were adopted to indicate a person's occupation or place of origin. Therefore, the surname Shepherd would have been given to someone who was a shepherd by trade or lived in an area where shepherding was common.
Over time, Shepherd became established as both a surname and a given name. In some cases, families chose to use Shepherd as a given name to honor their heritage or to perpetuate their family name.
Today, Shepherd is still used as a surname and given name in many English-speaking countries around the world. It remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong, meaningful name with historical significance.
In summary, Shepherd is an Anglo-Saxon name with origins in medieval England. It means shepherd or farmer and was originally given to people who worked in these occupations. Over time, Shepherd became established as both a surname and a given name, and continues to be used today in many countries around the world.
"The name Shepherd has experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. While it was quite common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with years like 1887 seeing as many as 6 births, it declined sharply post-World War II. From the 1950s to the 1970s, the number of annual births was often single digits or less. However, since the late 1990s, there's been a notable resurgence, with over 265 births recorded in 2016 and peaking at 779 in 2023."