Shepherd Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Shepherd come from? What does the surname Shepherd mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Shepherd and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Shepherd Origin: What does the last name Shepherd mean?
The surname Shepherd has English origins, closely linked with England since the early 15th century. It is derived from the English word "Shepherd," indicating a herder of sheep. The earliest records in our YourRoots database suggest that the surname Shepherd has a history rooted in England. Over time, the surname began to spread globally, with significant presence in the United States by the 18th century. Today, the Shepherd surname can be found in various parts of the world, with a strong presence in the United States and the United Kingdom.
YourRoots data confirms the historical presence of the Shepherd surname in England and its subsequent spread to other regions. The surname Shepherd is associated with the occupation of a shepherd, reflecting a heritage of tending to sheep. As the surname continued to expand across different countries, it became a common name in the United States and the United Kingdom. The global reach of the Shepherd surname is evident in YourRoots records, showcasing its prevalence in multiple countries and regions worldwide.
Shepherd Last Name History: Where did the last name Shepherd come from?
Origin of Shepherd Surname: Where does the last name Shepherd originate from?
The earliest records we have in our YourRoots database suggest that the surname Shepherd originates from England, with the first records appearing in the early 15th century. This depicts the history of the Shepherd name as it is spelled in our records and doesn't account for other potential variations or sources.
History of the Last Name Shepherd: What does the Shepherd surname history look like in the early days?
The surname Shepherd was closely linked with England from the 15th to the 17th century, according to YourRoots data. However, by the 18th century, the frequency of Shepherd surname records began to increase significantly in the United States. This suggests that the surname was starting to spread across the globe during this period.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Shepherd surname today?
The frequency of Shepherd surname records continued to grow in the United States into the 19th and 20th centuries, indicating a strong presence in this region. Meanwhile, the first records of the Shepherd surname appeared in Scotland in the 21st century. Today, we can find the surname Shepherd in various parts of the world, with YourRoots data showing a significant presence in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Explore Shepherd last name heritage and Shepherd surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Shepherd Surame?
Cybill Shepherd
Cybill Lynne Shepherd (February 18, 1950 - present) is an American actress, singer, and former model known for her roles in iconic films like "The Last Picture Show," "Taxi Driver," and "Moonlighting." She has won multiple Golden Globe Awards for her work in television, including her portrayal of Maddie Hayes on "Moonlighting" and Cybill Sheridan on "Cybill." Shepherd's career has spanned decades, showcasing her talent and versatility in both film and television. Apart from her acting, Shepherd has also ventured into singing and modeling, proving her multi-faceted abilities in the entertainment industry.
Sherri Shepherd
Sherri Evonne Shepherd (April 22, 1967 - ) is an American actress, comedian, author, and television presenter known for her roles in popular sitcoms like "The Jamie Foxx Show," "Less Than Perfect," and "30 Rock." She co-hosted the daytime talk show "The View" and won a Daytime Emmy Award. Shepherd has also appeared on reality TV shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and hosted game shows like "Best Ever Trivia Show." With a successful career spanning various genres, she continues to entertain audiences through her acting, comedy, and hosting gigs.
Suzanne Shepherd
Suzanne Shepherd (Sadie Gertrude Stern) (October 31, 1934 – November 17, 2023) was an American actress and theater director known for her roles in popular films and TV series. From Mystic Pizza to The Sopranos, Shepherd's versatile acting skills captivated audiences. She also made a mark in theater, becoming the first woman to teach Sanford Meisner's acting program. With a career spanning decades, Shepherd's legacy lives on in the entertainment industry.
Derrick Shepherd
Derrick D. T. Shepherd (born c. 1970) is a former Louisiana State Senator and attorney known for his involvement in Democratic politics. He served in the Louisiana House of Representatives before winning a special election for the State Senate. In federal politics, he ran for Congress against Bill Jefferson and faced corruption charges related to money laundering. After serving time in prison, Shepherd made a return to politics by running for Council District 3 of Jefferson Parish in 2019.
Roy Shepherd
Roy Walter William Shepherd (4 Aug 1931 – 11 Apr 2008) was a British ice hockey player known for his skills on the ice. He played for teams like the Wembley Lions, Southampton Vikings, and Brighton Tigers during his career. Shepherd also represented the Great Britain national ice hockey team from 1951 to 1962, showcasing his talent on an international level. In 1999, he was honored with induction into the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport. Shepherd's legacy continues to live on in the world of ice hockey, inspiring future generations of players.
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