Surname Shepheard - Meaning and Origin
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Shepheard: What does the surname Shepheard mean?
The last name Shepheard is believed to be of Norman origin, with early references found in various registers from the 13th century. It's derived from the Old French word “shepherd”, which itself came from the Latin “pastor”, and meant someone who cared for and guarded sheep. In the Middle Ages, herdsman were more than just labourers, they were responsible for taking care of the animals, for ensuring their prosperity and safety and thus also of the people who earned their living from them.
This is reflected in the coat of arms associated with the Shepheard name - there is a picture of a man with a shepherd's crook standing between two sheep. Unsurprisingly, those bearing the name went on to become shepherds by trade, and early references to the name can be found in cellar doors of various regions of England, from Cornwall to the Midlands.
The name gradually spread throughout England during the 16th and 17th centuries, and in some cases turned into Shepherd, Shepperd, Shepheard and even Sheppard. It also spread to other countries, leading to large numbers of Shepheard families in the United States.
Life as a shepherd was often a hard one, so the name comes to be a testament to those who were able to take on a difficult and demanding profession and make a living for themselves and their families.
Order DNA origin analysisShepheard: Where does the name Shepheard come from?
The last name Shepheard is a surname commonly found in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It has Saxon roots, likely stemming from a name meaning "shepherd". Today, the name Shepheard can be found most often in England and Wales, especially in the counties of Devon, Somerset, and Dorset. It is also quite common in Scotland and in parts of Northern Ireland.
Outside the British isles, the surname Shepheard can be found mainly in the United States, Australia, and Canada. In the US, Shepheard can be found primarily in the states of New York, Ohio, and Illinois. In Australia, the name can be found most notably in New South Wales, and in Canada most commonly in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
In addition, the name Shepheard can also be seen in many parts of Africa. The spelling is more often Sheppard or Shephard in African countries, however.
Overall, the surname Shepheard can still be found in many parts of the world. It is most common in the British Isles, but can also be seen in other parts of Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Africa.
Variations of the surname Shepheard
Shepheard is an English surname with several variations, spellings, and alternate surnames.
The most common spelling of Shepheard is Shepherd, with Shephard, Sheepheard, Sheppard, and Sheperd also appearing frequently.
Alternate surnames with similar spelling and meaning include Shepherdson, Shepheardson, Shepherdson, Shephardson, and Sheppardson. These names were likely adopted by families in which the first-born son was named after a relative with the Shepheard surname.
Variations on Shepheard can also include Sheppy, Shepeard, Sheppheard, Shepald, Shephardd, Shephy, Shapheard, Shepperd, Sheppherd, and Shephardy. Some of these spellings are found mainly in Scotland, where the Scottish influence on surnames was particularly strong.
In addition to these variants, Shepheard is also found in a host of other surnames that are likely connected by a common origin. These include Shepley, Shepston, Sheplye, Shepperly, Shephenson, Shepsold, Shepstone, Shippard, Shipward, and Sherpard.
Thus, this list of spellings, variants, and alternate surnames for Shepheard helps to illustrate the range of ways in which this surname has been adopted and adapted over time.
Famous people with the name Shepheard
- Dave Shepheard: Former professional rugby player for England.
- Jonathan Shepheard: International show jumping rider from France who won world championship medals.
- Benjamin Shepheard: a successful British cross-country skier.
- Jenny Shepheard: Former British long distance runner and winner of two World Championship bronze medals.
- Rosalyn Shepheard: British conductor and organist.
- Denzil Shepheard: Professional South African football player.
- Chris Shepheard: TV presenter and actor.
- William Shepheard: Irish business and hospital founder.
- Colin Shepheard: English automotive engineer and speed record-breaking driver.
- Martin Shepheard: English director of several television series.
- Pastor Paul Shepheard: Pastor and missionary from the United States.
- Sharon Shepheard: South African singer and TV presenter.
- Michael Shepheard: Australian academic and higher education leader.
- Adam Shepheard: Actor from New Zealand.
- Tricia Shepheard: Successful comedy writer from the UK.
- Kathryn Shepheard: British conservationist and wildlife camerawoman.
- Gary Shepheard: Australia-based racing driver.
- John Shepheard: English politician.
- Bob Shepheard: Former professional golfer from the US.
- Stephen Shepheard: English actor.