Shepherd
2025 SSA
2025 SSA
About Shepherd
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.
Shepherd for boys#246 US
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.
Shepherd for girls#11785 US
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.
Pronounced SHEP-erd.
As of October 2026, Shepherd ranked #246 in US births in 2025 SSA, Nameberry popularity #336.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #1,157 | 164 | 85.4 |
| 2015 | #1,108 | 174 | 90.8 |
| 2016 | #848 | 265 | 139.6 |
| 2017 | #791 | 293 | 158.3 |
| 2018 | #716 | 339 | 186.7 |
| 2019 | #625 | 434 | 241.9 |
| 2020 | #594 | 463 | 268.2 |
| 2021 | #528 | 557 | 318.4 |
| 2022 | #494 | 618 | 354 |
| 2023 | #404 | 789 | 461.2 |
| 2024 | #311 | 1,094 | 635 |
| 2025 | #246 | 1,408 | 824.3 |
World rankings
Shepherd for boys
Similar names
These 20 names were selected by our users looking for other names like Shepherd.
Shepherd on lists
Famous Shepherds
- Shepherd LefflerBoy
original U.S. Congressman from Iowa
- Shepherd Walton ClarkBoy
American figure skater
- Shepherd Kellen Seinfeld (b. 2005)Boy
son of actor/comedian Jerry Seinfeld
- Shepherd McLaughlin (b. 2009)Boy
son of YouTuber James McLaughlin of duo Rhett and Link
- Shepherd HarrisonBoy
Clarke (b. 2013), son of YouTuber Matthew Clarke of "Conversations with my 2,year,old"
- Shepherd Mora (b. 2015)Boy
son of singer Kelis and Mike Mora
- John Ira Shepherd Hanson (b. 2008)Boy
son of musician Zac Hanson
- Austin (Shepherd) Padalecki (b. 2013)Boy
son of actors Jared and Genevieve Padalecki
Shepherd in pop culture
- General ShepherdBoy
main antagonist in "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2"
- Dr. Derek ShepherdBoy
a main character in the TV show "Grey's Anatomy"
- Dr. Amelia ShepherdBoy
a main character in the TV show "Grey's Anatomy"
- Derrial Book (called Shepherd Book)Boy
pastor in "Firefly" and its sequel movie, "Serenity"
- Jon ShepherdBoy
character on "Stargate Atlantis"
- Jason ShepherdBoy
character in "Big Fat Liar"
- shepherd's pieBoy
or cottage pie, a meat pie with a crust of mashed potatoes
- Gwyneth ShepherdBoy
main protagonist in Kerstin Gier's "Ruby Red Trilogy"
- John/Jane ShepherdBoy
the default names of the player decided gender main character of the popular sci,fi game series "Mass Effect"