Shepherd
Meaningsheep herder · English
- US rank
- #246
- Syllables
- 2
- Peak
- #246 in 2025
1,408 babies were named Shepherd in the US in 2025. It has climbed 348 places in five years.
Found on lists
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US births per million girls, 2011–2025
US births per million boys, 1886–2025
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 Shepherd you might not know, from US birth records. Handy for convincing a partner, or a grandparent.
- How commonAbout 1 in every 1,213 baby boys born in the US in 2025 was named Shepherd, 1,408 babies in all. In a typical school of 500 kids, your Shepherd would very likely be the only one.
- HistoryShepherd first shows up in US birth records in 1886, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 139 years since.
- Best yearShepherd is at its all-time high right now: #246 in 2025.
- Then vs nowShepherd is 201× more common today than it was in 2000. In 2000 it was given to about 1 in 243,902 baby boys; in 2025, about 1 in 1,213.
- TrendShepherd has climbed 348 places in the US rankings over the last five years and now sits at #246. Fast risers like this often keep climbing, so expect to hear it more.
- Where it's lovedShepherd is most popular in Tennessee, where it ranks #88, followed by Oklahoma (#91) and Kentucky (#98). It's in the top 1,000 in 38 states.
- MeaningIn English, Shepherd means “sheep herder”.
About the name Shepherd
Shepherd is a boy name of English origin meaning “sheep herder”. It has 8 letters and 2 syllables, starting with S and ending in “-erd”. US birth records list Shepherd for boys from 1886 to 2025, in 89 of those 140 years. Its best year was 2025, when it ranked #246 among boy names. In 2025 it ranked #246, with 1,408 babies.
Origin:English names
| Decade | Babies per million | About 1 in |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 0.3 | 3,214,286 girls |
| 2020s | 2.6 | 387,097 girls |
| Decade | Babies per million | About 1 in |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 36 | 27,454 boys |
| 1910s | 7.9 | 126,582 boys |
| 1920s | 8.2 | 122,100 boys |
| 1930s | 2.3 | 431,034 boys |
| 1940s | 4.2 | 235,849 boys |
| 1950s | 2.7 | 374,532 boys |
| 1960s | 3.1 | 318,471 boys |
| 1970s | 2.8 | 355,872 boys |
| 1980s | 0.8 | 1,265,823 boys |
| 1990s | 3.0 | 335,570 boys |
| 2000s | 14 | 69,686 boys |
| 2010s | 111 | 8,984 boys |
| 2020s | 478 | 2,094 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 Shepherd
What does the name Shepherd mean?
Shepherd means “sheep herder” in English.
What is the origin of the name Shepherd?
Shepherd has English roots in our records. Other English names include Oliver, Henry, James.
Is Shepherd a boy or girl name?
Shepherd is a boy name, though a few girls get it too.
How popular is the name Shepherd?
Shepherd ranked #246 for US boys in 2025, given to 1,408 babies. Its best year was 2025 (#246).