Shep
Meaningshepherd · English
- US rank
- #4,139
- Syllables
- 1
- Peak
- #848 in 1884
25 babies were named Shep in the US in 2025. It has climbed 1,312 places in five years.
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
US births per million boys, 1884–2025
Most popular states (2025)
Similar names
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
Did you know?
A few things about Shep you might not know, from US birth records. Handy for convincing a partner, or a grandparent.
- How commonAbout 1 in every 68,493 baby boys born in the US in 2025 was named Shep, 25 babies in all. In a typical school of 500 kids, your Shep would very likely be the only one.
- HistoryShep first shows up in US birth records in 1884, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 141 years since.
- Best yearIt was far more popular in 1884, when it ranked #848. Today it's #4,139, so it could be due a comeback.
- TrendShep has climbed 1,312 places in the US rankings over the last five years and now sits at #4,139. Fast risers like this often keep climbing, so expect to hear it more.
- Where it's lovedShep is most popular in Louisiana, where it ranks #775. It's in the top 1,000 in 1 state.
- MeaningIn English, Shep means “shepherd”.
About the name Shep
Shep is a boy name of English origin meaning “shepherd”. It has 4 letters and 1 syllable, starting with S and ending in “-hep”. US birth records list Shep for boys from 1884 to 2025, in 18 of those 142 years. Its best year was 1884, when it ranked #848 among boy names. In 2025 it ranked #4,139, with 25 babies.
Origin:English names
| Decade | Babies per million | About 1 in |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 8.7 | 114,504 boys |
| 1920s | 1.0 | 1,000,000 boys |
| 1940s | 0.6 | 1,818,182 boys |
| 2010s | 3.9 | 256,410 boys |
| 2020s | 13 | 76,142 boys |
More English boy names
- Boy name: Oliver · olive tree
- Boy name: Henry · ruler of the home
- Unisex name: James · supplanter
- Boy name: William · resolute protector
- Boy name: Benjamin · son of the right hand
- Boy name: Jack · God is gracious
- Unisex name: Hudson · son of Hudde
- Unisex name: Julian · of the Julius family
Questions about the name Shep
What does the name Shep mean?
Shep means “shepherd” in English.
What is the origin of the name Shep?
Shep has English roots in our records. Other English names include Oliver, Henry, James.
Is Shep a boy or girl name?
Shep is a boy name.
How popular is the name Shep?
Shep ranked #4,139 for US boys in 2025, given to 25 babies. Its best year was 1884 (#848).