Shepherd
Shepherd is an boy name of Old English origin, meaning “Sheep herder”.
| Meaning | Sheep herder |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Old English |
| Pronunciation | SHEP-urd |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic, Christian |
| Used in | United States, United Kingdom |
Meaning and origin of Shepherd
Shepherd began as an English occupational surname for someone who herded sheep, from Old English sceap, 'sheep', and hierde, 'herdsman'. Like Carter and Mason, it has moved from surname to first name, mainly in the United States over the past couple of decades. Some parents also like its biblical imagery, since Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd and Psalm 23 begins 'The Lord is my shepherd'.
Is Shepherd a religious name?
Shepherd is not the name of a biblical person, but the image of the shepherd is central in both the Hebrew Bible and the Gospels, which gives it a gentle Christian overtone for some families. Otherwise it is an ordinary English surname name.
How popular is Shepherd?
A rising but still uncommon first name in the United States; more familiar as a surname.
Gifts with the name Shepherd
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Spellings and variants of Shepherd
Names similar to Shepherd
More boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Shepherd mean?
Shepherd means 'Sheep herder'. It is of Old English origin.
Does Shepherd have a religious meaning?
Shepherd is not the name of a biblical person, but the image of the shepherd is central in both the Hebrew Bible and the Gospels, which gives it a gentle Christian overtone for some families. Otherwise it is an ordinary English surname name.
How do you pronounce Shepherd?
Shepherd is pronounced SHEP-urd.
Is Shepherd a boy or girl name?
Shepherd is usually a boy name.