The name Shepherd is a girl's name of English origin meaning "sheep herder".

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A rising star and Nameberry favorite for boys, Shepherd, like many surname-style choices, has begun to see use on girls in recent years. Rugged but gentle, earthy yet stylish, spiritual but secular,  Shepherd was given to 10 girls in the latest count, making it a rare option, but one that could fit in with the links of Banks, Baker, Palmer, Forest, and Hayes. 

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Shepherd

English

The name Shepherd peaked for girls at #10135 in 2024. Shepherd is also used for boys, ranking #246 in 2025.

The name Shepherd is a boy's name of English origin meaning "sheep herder".

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Shepherd is an occupational surname with a pleasant, pastoral feel, an outdoorsy vibe, a gentle sound and a cool, contemporary energy. The name has been rising steadily in the US since the mid-2000s, but it didn't break in to the Top 1000 until 2016. Since then, it has become a fresh but familiar choice, ranking in the Top 350 in a recent year.
 
Used to describe a sheep herder, this name was chosen by Jerry Seinfelds and his wife Jessica back in 2005, likely inspiring other parents to consider it. More recently, it was chosen by actors Genevieve and Jared Padalecki for their son in 2013, which coincides with the time it really started to pick up pace as a name option. 
 
Shepherd has spiritual undertones, links with Christmas, and an air of wisdom about it, however it doesn't feel too much. Its sounds and rustic feel keep it grounded.
 
. There are other spelling choices: Shepard, Sheperd, and Sheppard--all of which lead to the friendly nickname Shep. Artist Shepard Fairey (original first name Frank) gained a lot of attention for his Obama HOPE poster.
 The various spellings are additionally reflected in the surnames of astronaut Alan Shepard, "Winnie the Pooh" illustrator Ernest Shepard, actor/playwright Sam Shepard, "A Christmas Story" writer Jean Shepherd, Fox News anchor Shepard Smith, and actress Cybill Shepherd.

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The name Shepherd is currently ranked #246 in U.S. births. and peaked for boys at #246 in 2025. The name is most popular in Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. Shepherd is occasionally used for girls in 2025.

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