Origin & Meaning of the Sheppard Surname
What does the last name Sheppard mean?
The surname Sheppard carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 36,960 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sheppard ranks as the #938 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sheppard come from?
The Sheppard surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Sheppard name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sheppard trace back to Unknown. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Sheppard |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin and meaning under research |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Language | Unknown |
| US Rank (2010) | #938 |
| US Count (2010) | 36,960 |
| Per 100K People | 12.53 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sheppard
According to the US Census, the Sheppard surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 36,960 Americans with the Sheppard last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.37% |
| Black | 26.79% |
| Hispanic | 2.56% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.47% |
| Native American | 0.78% |
| Two or More Races | 2.03% |
Popularity of Sheppard Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sheppard surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sheppard surname increased by 1,406 between 2000 and 2010.
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These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Sheppard.
Other Unknown Surnames
Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Sheppard.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheppard
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