Rising since 1992, #891 for boys today.
Popularity of Shepard since 1912
Babies named Shepard per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 72 |
| 1920s | 114 |
| 1930s | 83 |
| 1940s | 96 |
| 1950s | 94 |
| 1960s | 63 |
| 1970s | 43 |
| 1980s | 30 |
| 1990s | 38 |
| 2000s | 326 |
| 2010s | 1,276 |
| 2020s | 1,479 |
Meaning & origin
Shepard is an occupational surname turned given name, deriving from Middle English 'sheperde' meaning 'shepherd.' In the United States, it has been recorded since 1912, but its modern rise began in the 1990s. As of 2025, it ranks 891 for boys, with a frequency of about 1 in every 6,373 newborns, reaching its peak in 2025. The name is most popular in Oklahoma, Alabama, and Mississippi. While still uncommon, Shepard is part of a broader trend of surname-style names that appeal to parents seeking a name with a strong, vocational feel. Its gentle pastoral meaning offers a contrast to its sturdy sound, making it a distinctive choice that has been gradually gaining traction over the past three decades.
Shepard is an occupational surname turned given name, derived from Middle English 'sheperde' meaning 'shepherd.' Historically, it was used as a surname for those who tended sheep. In modern times, it has been adopted as a first name, particularly in the United States, reflecting a trend of using surnames as given names.
Where Shepard is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shep
Sibling names for Shepard
Names that share Shepard's style, for a brother or sister.
