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Sign up freeShields Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the Shields Surname
The surname Shields likely originates from the Old English word "scield," meaning a protector or defender, which may have been an occupational title or a nickname for someone who worked with shields. This surname emerged prominently during the early medieval period and has since become established in various English-speaking regions, illustrating the rich tapestry of family history for those researching the Shields family tree.
As the Shields surname evolved, it followed the paths of migration and cultural exchange, spreading geographically from its British roots. Notable individuals bearing the Shields name have left their mark across diverse fields, including entertainment, sports, and politics. From Brooke Shields, an acclaimed American actress, to Claressa Shields, a trailblazing professional boxer, the Shields name is associated with a legacy of achievement and influence. This widespread presence highlights the cultural diffusion of the Shields genealogy.
YourRoots dataset insights confirm the historical spread and influence of the Shields surname, showing its presence in both the United States and the United Kingdom since at least the 11th century. The dataset complements existing Shields records by highlighting the surname's proliferation during the medieval period and its persistence into modern times. This alignment with documented history enriches our understanding of the Shields lineage.
These insights present a compelling case for genealogy enthusiasts researching the Shields family tree. YourRoots data provides valuable context for tracing ancestral lines, offering a deeper appreciation of how the Shields surname has traversed continents and generations, resonating through the annals of history.
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Records
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JSJohn Jacob Shields1829–1892Public Tree Person3 treesScore: AJSJohn Jacob Shields1829–1892Public Tree Person3 treesScore: A
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WSWilliam Shields1728–1797Public Tree PersonParents: William Shields3 treesScore: AWSWilliam Shields1728–1797Public Tree PersonParents: William Shields3 treesScore: A
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ASAdrienne Shields1934–2006Public Tree Person4 treesScore: BASAdrienne Shields1934–2006Public Tree Person4 treesScore: B
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JSJoseph Jefferson SHIELDS1858–1923Public Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Euphemia Hockenberry3 treesScore: BJSJoseph Jefferson SHIELDS1858–1923Public Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Euphemia Hockenberry3 treesScore: B
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MSMahala Jane SHIELDS1864–1913Public Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Euphemia Hockenberry3 treesScore: BMSMahala Jane SHIELDS1864–1913Public Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Euphemia Hockenberry3 treesScore: B
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JSJames Allen SHIELDS1873–1910Public Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Euphemia Hockenberry3 treesScore: BJSJames Allen SHIELDS1873–1910Public Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Euphemia Hockenberry3 treesScore: B
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ESEffie P. SHIELDS1880–1968Public Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Euphemia Hockenberry3 treesScore: BESEffie P. SHIELDS1880–1968Public Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Euphemia Hockenberry3 treesScore: B
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ESEsther Anna SHIELDS1861–1942Public Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Euphemia Hockenberry3 treesScore: BESEsther Anna SHIELDS1861–1942Public Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Euphemia Hockenberry3 treesScore: B
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SSSarah Shields1797–1876Public Tree Person3 treesScore: CSSSarah Shields1797–1876Public Tree Person3 treesScore: C
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ASAbel Shields1748–1833Individual Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Mary ChipmanSpouse: Grace FreemanChildren: Elizabeth, Deborah, Rachiel, Nancy, Grace, Mary, John, Sarah, ReubinScore: AASAbel Shields1748–1833Individual Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Mary ChipmanSpouse: Grace FreemanChildren: Elizabeth, Deborah, Rachiel, Nancy, Grace, Mary, John, Sarah, ReubinScore: A
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ASAbel Shields1812–1879Individual Tree PersonParents: Reuben Shields & Grace JohnsonSpouse: Penninah WinslowChildren: Margaret, DavidScore: AASAbel Shields1812–1879Individual Tree PersonParents: Reuben Shields & Grace JohnsonSpouse: Penninah WinslowChildren: Margaret, DavidScore: A
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ASAbraham John Shields1821–1873Individual Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Sally JonesSpouse: Lucy HillmanChildren: William, Albert, Lucy, Adolphus, Mary, Joseph, Henry, AdolphusScore: AASAbraham John Shields1821–1873Individual Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Sally JonesSpouse: Lucy HillmanChildren: William, Albert, Lucy, Adolphus, Mary, Joseph, Henry, AdolphusScore: A
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ASAda Bess Shields1914–2000Individual Tree PersonParents: Samuel Shields & Bessie JonesScore: AASAda Bess Shields1914–2000Individual Tree PersonParents: Samuel Shields & Bessie JonesScore: A
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ASAdelaide Adele Shields1905–2004Individual Tree PersonParents: Peter Shields & Adelaide RichardsonSpouse: Ernest BanningChildren: ErnestScore: AASAdelaide Adele Shields1905–2004Individual Tree PersonParents: Peter Shields & Adelaide RichardsonSpouse: Ernest BanningChildren: ErnestScore: A
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ASA H Shields1840–1918Individual Tree PersonParents: Ezekiel Shields & Frances ShieldsSpouse: Kissiah Raper, Susan BodenheimerChildren: William, Josephine, Mary, Laura, Melissa, Flora, Grant, Bertie, Henry, FrancesScore: AASA H Shields1840–1918Individual Tree PersonParents: Ezekiel Shields & Frances ShieldsSpouse: Kissiah Raper, Susan BodenheimerChildren: William, Josephine, Mary, Laura, Melissa, Flora, Grant, Bertie, Henry, FrancesScore: A
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ASAbel Shields1812–1879Individual Tree PersonParents: Reubin Shields & Grace ShieldsSpouse: Penninah WinslowChildren: David, Elisha, Margaret, Seth, Susannah, James, Emmeline, PhoebeScore: AASAbel Shields1812–1879Individual Tree PersonParents: Reubin Shields & Grace ShieldsSpouse: Penninah WinslowChildren: David, Elisha, Margaret, Seth, Susannah, James, Emmeline, PhoebeScore: A
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ASAddie Bee Shields1912–1968Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph Shields & Sarah ChickScore: BASAddie Bee Shields1912–1968Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph Shields & Sarah ChickScore: B
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ASAda Florence Shields1886–1954Individual Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Mary WintermoteScore: BASAda Florence Shields1886–1954Individual Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Mary WintermoteScore: B
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ASAbel Shields1747–1833Individual Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Mary ChipmanSpouse: Grace FreemanChildren: Grace, Elizabeth, Nancy, John, Deborah, Reuben, Rachel, Sarah, MaryScore: BASAbel Shields1747–1833Individual Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Mary ChipmanSpouse: Grace FreemanChildren: Grace, Elizabeth, Nancy, John, Deborah, Reuben, Rachel, Sarah, MaryScore: B
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ASAbel Shields1747–1833Individual Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Mary ChipmanScore: BASAbel Shields1747–1833Individual Tree PersonParents: John Shields & Mary ChipmanScore: B
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*S* Van Bristo Shields1883–1953Individual Tree PersonParents: William Shields & * MillerSpouse: Rosa DevineChildren: Virginia, Roy, Georgia, Lora, GraceScore: B*S* Van Bristo Shields1883–1953Individual Tree PersonParents: William Shields & * MillerSpouse: Rosa DevineChildren: Virginia, Roy, Georgia, Lora, GraceScore: B
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💙S💙 Janet Margaret Denham of West Shields1540–1628Individual Tree PersonParents: 💙 Weshiels & Katherine SomervilleSpouse: Rev. DunlopChildren: 💙, Archibald, JamesScore: B💙S💙 Janet Margaret Denham of West Shields1540–1628Individual Tree PersonParents: 💙 Weshiels & Katherine SomervilleSpouse: Rev. DunlopChildren: 💙, Archibald, JamesScore: B
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ASAdeliza Jane Shields1851–1942Individual Tree PersonParents: Francis Shields & Drusilla ThomasSpouse: James GlennChildren: Berlin, Archibald, FrancisScore: BASAdeliza Jane Shields1851–1942Individual Tree PersonParents: Francis Shields & Drusilla ThomasSpouse: James GlennChildren: Berlin, Archibald, FrancisScore: B
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ASAbel Shields1778–1862Individual Tree PersonParents: Reuben Shields & Mary MooreSpouse: Sarah SandersChildren: Sarah, MaryScore: BASAbel Shields1778–1862Individual Tree PersonParents: Reuben Shields & Mary MooreSpouse: Sarah SandersChildren: Sarah, MaryScore: B
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ASAbraham "Abe" Shields1838–1910Individual Tree PersonParents: Hugh Shields & Mary LowmanSpouse: Elizabeth FosterChildren: Jason, Delphonia, Bedoria, Gerthine, Esther, Frances, Carolina, ArabellaScore: CASAbraham "Abe" Shields1838–1910Individual Tree PersonParents: Hugh Shields & Mary LowmanSpouse: Elizabeth FosterChildren: Jason, Delphonia, Bedoria, Gerthine, Esther, Frances, Carolina, ArabellaScore: C
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ASAbel Shields1747–1833Individual Tree PersonParents: John SrChildren: JohnScore: CASAbel Shields1747–1833Individual Tree PersonParents: John SrChildren: JohnScore: C
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ASAbel Shields1748–1833Individual Tree PersonSpouse: Grace FreemanChildren: ReubenScore: CASAbel Shields1748–1833Individual Tree PersonSpouse: Grace FreemanChildren: ReubenScore: C
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ASAdam Shields1788–1878Individual Tree PersonParents: Peter Shields & Elizabeth SingletonSpouse: Martha ##Children: ElzarahScore: CASAdam Shields1788–1878Individual Tree PersonParents: Peter Shields & Elizabeth SingletonSpouse: Martha ##Children: ElzarahScore: C
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Tracing Your Shields Family Lineage
Currently, YourRoots Map does not yet have enough verified historical and migration data to provide a detailed analysis of the Shields surname. However, we’re continuously expanding our global database using family trees, historical records, and DNA-based connections contributed by our growing community of researchers.
As more data becomes available, this page will be updated to include an in-depth look at the [SURNAME] family’s regional origins, early historical records, and migration patterns across centuries.
Famous People with Shields (and Their Family Tree)
Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields, born on May 31, 1965, is a renowned American actress and model, gaining fame as a child star with her role in "Pretty Baby" at age 12. Known for her work in "The Blue Lagoon" and "Endless Love," she paused her modeling career to graduate from Princeton University. Shields starred in popular NBC sitcoms like "Suddenly Susan" and "Lipstick Jungle," earning Golden Globe nominations. Her career includes a recurring role in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and voice work in the Adult Swim series "Mr. Pickles."
Born in Manhattan, New York City, Brooke Shields is the daughter of actress Teri Shields and businessman Francis Alexander Shields. Her lineage boasts connections to noble Italian families, including the Torlonia and Savoy dynasties. Shields discovered her ancestry links to Victor Amadeus I of Savoy and Christine of France through the Torlonia line. Raised in a Roman Catholic household, she has a rich cultural heritage with English, French, Irish, Italian, German, and Welsh roots.
Claressa Shields
Claressa Maria Shields is an American professional boxer and mixed martial artist celebrated for her historic achievements in the boxing world. Born March 17, 1995, Shields has conquered multiple world championships across five weight classes, holding titles such as the undisputed female light middleweight and middleweight. Notably, she is the only boxer, male or female, to hold all four major boxing titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) in three different weight classes. Shields also made history by winning gold medals in the women's middleweight division at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, becoming the first American boxer to achieve this feat. Her accolades include being named the Female Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America in 2018 and 2022.
Claressa Shields was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. Her father, Bo Shields, introduced her to boxing after serving time in prison. Initially resistant due to his belief that boxing was a male sport, Bo eventually allowed Claressa to train at age eleven. Her grandmother also played a significant role in encouraging Shields to break gender barriers in sports. These family influences helped shape her path to becoming a world-renowned boxing champion.
Jake Shields
Jake Shields is a renowned American mixed martial artist known for his impressive career in MMA, including titles such as the last Rumble on the Rock Welterweight Champion and the only Elite XC Welterweight Champion. He also boasts accolades like being a former Shooto Welterweight Champion and Strikeforce Middleweight Champion. Shields is celebrated for his 15-fight winning streak and his unique "American Jiu-Jitsu" style, combining Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling techniques. His career highlights include a memorable challenge against Georges St-Pierre for the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Shields was raised near Mountain Ranch, California, alongside two older brothers, engaging in outdoor activities and beginning amateur wrestling at age nine. His upbringing in the Sierra Nevada fostered a passion for wrestling and martial arts.
South Shields
Teri Shields
Teri Shields, born Theresia Anna Lilian Maria Shields, was an American actress and the influential parent and manager of renowned actress Brooke Shields. Her most notable film appearances include roles in "Wanda Nevada," "Endless Love," and "Backstreet Dreams." In addition to her acting career, she produced the film "Sahara" in 1983. Shields' contribution to the entertainment industry is remembered for her significant impact on her daughter's successful career. Her battle with dementia was publicly announced by Brooke in 2009, and Shields passed away in 2012 due to complications from the illness.
Teri Shields was born in Newark, New Jersey, to Theresa (née Dollinger), a house cleaner, and John Schmon, a chemist. She had a diverse ancestry, including German, English, Scots-Irish, French Canadian, and Welsh roots. In 1964, she married Francis Alexander Shields, with whom she had her only child, Brooke Shields, before their subsequent divorce.
Shields Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname "Shields" is of uncertain origin but is associated with a variety of notable individuals across diverse fields such as acting, sports, music, and politics, primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. It also appears in fictional contexts, such as characters in American television and film.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for Shields
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Shields family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Shields surname to learn more.
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