Rising since 1992, #246 for boys today.
Popularity of Shepherd since 1886
Babies named Shepherd per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 16 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 61 |
| 1920s | 90 |
| 1930s | 25 |
| 1940s | 64 |
| 1950s | 55 |
| 1960s | 60 |
| 1970s | 48 |
| 1980s | 15 |
| 1990s | 57 |
| 2000s | 289 |
| 2010s | 2,069 |
| 2020s | 4,936 |
Meaning & origin
Shepherd is an occupational surname turned given name that has seen a steady climb in usage over recent decades. First recorded in the U.S. in 1886, the name remained relatively rare until the 1990s, when it began a consistent upward trend. By 2025, it had reached its peak rank of 246, with 1 in 1,213 newborn boys receiving the name. This trajectory mirrors a broader cultural interest in nature-inspired and pastoral names. Shepherd is most popular in states like Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, where traditional and rustic names hold strong appeal. Its rise since 1992 suggests a growing appreciation for names that evoke simplicity and connection to the land.
Shepherd derives from the Old English 'sceaphierde,' a compound of 'sceap' (sheep) and 'hierde' (herdsman). It was originally an occupational surname for someone who tended sheep. As a given name, it gained traction in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, and was sometimes used to honor religious connotations of pastoral care.
Where Shepherd is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shep
Variants: Shephard
Sibling names for Shepherd
Names that share Shepherd's style, for a brother or sister.
