Shepherd
Meaning of Shepherd
Shepherd began life in Old English pastureland as an occupational surname for the one who minded the sheep, yet today it feels more like a title of gentle leadership than a job description. The name still carries the biblical image of the Good Shepherd—steadfast, watchful, and kind—while also conjuring sun-splashed hills, loyal sheepdogs, and a calm voice guiding the way. Pop-culture spell-mates such as playwright Sam Shepard and moon-walking astronaut Alan Shepard (different spelling, same swagger) lend it a touch of artistic and exploratory sparkle, and the easygoing nickname “Shep” keeps things friendly on the playground. American parents have clearly felt the pull: after decades on the fringes, Shepherd has trotted up the charts to sit at a handsome No. 294 in 2024. For families seeking a name that whispers both adventure and responsibility, Shepherd stands ready to lead the littlest of flocks—staff in hand, sunrise at his back, and plenty of heart to spare.
Pronunciation
American English
- Pronunced as SHEP-erd (/ˈʃɛp.ərd/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Shepherd
| Shepherd Bushiri, known as Major 1, is a Malawian preacher, religious leader, businessman, and author. |
| Shepherd Ivory Franz was an American psychologist, first chair of UCLA psychology, APA president, journal editor, and a researcher on neuroplasticity, afterimages, and cerebral localization, long affiliated with George Washington University and Saint Elizabeths Hospital. |
| Democrat Shepherd Leffler was one of the first two US Representatives from Iowa in 1846 and later served multiple terms for the second district. |
