Sheppard History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Sheppard

What does the name Sheppard mean?

The Anglo-Saxon name Sheppard comes from when its first bearer worked as a person who worked as a shepherd, the guardian of the sheep. 1 2

Occupational names that were derived from the common trades of the medieval era transcended European cultural and linguistic boundaries. Occupational names frequently were derived from the principal object associated with the activity of the original bearer, such as tools or products. These types of occupational surnames are called metonymic surnames. In this case the surname was originally derived from the Old English word sceap, meaning sheep and hierde meaning herdsman. While this traditional understand of the surname's meaning is in many ways self explanatory today, in examining the Coat of Arms invariably we find battle axes. This is not surprising as the ancient shepherds were employed to dig sod around the embattlements of a Saxon village as a means of defense, hence the term "the shepherd's ring." Their tools were battle axes.

Early Origins of the Sheppard family

The surname Sheppard was first found in the Southern counties of England, where they could be found from early times. Early recorded instances of the name include William Sepherd listed in Rotuli Hundredorum, in Oxfordshire in 1279. 3 The same rolls listed Margaret le Sephirde in Huntingdonshire and Walter le Schepherde in Cambridgeshire. 4

Henry Sephurde was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex of 1296 while Walter le Shepperde was listed in the Feet of Fines of Staffordshire in 1307. 3

Later, the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed William Shephirde; and Johannes Schephirde. 4

Early History of the Sheppard family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sheppard research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1307, 1317, 1327, 1399, 1413, 1515, 1559, 1605, 1634, 1635, 1648, 1649, 1677, 1698, 1701, 1708, 1719, 1720, 1748 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Sheppard History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sheppard Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Sheppard include Shepherd, Shephard, Sheppard, Sheppeard, Shepperd and others.

Early Notables of the Sheppard family

Distinguished members of the family include

Shepherd, alias Thwattes, of Derbyshire, who were a noble family during the reign of Henry IV (ruled 1399-1413); John Sheppard (c.1515-1559) English composer & organist, considered one of the finest E...

Sheppard World Ranking

In the United States, the name Sheppard is the 710^th most popular surname with an estimated 42,279 people with that name. 5 However, in Canada, the name Sheppard is ranked the 483^rd most popular surname with an estimated 10,027 people with that name. 6 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Sheppard is the 17^th popular surname with an estimated 848 people with that name. 7 Australia ranks Sheppard as 492^nd with 7,759 people. 8 New Zealand ranks Sheppard as 711^st with 1,004 people. 9 The United Kingdom ranks Sheppard as 402^nd with 16,132 people. 10

Migration of the Sheppard family to Ireland

Some of the Sheppard family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 65 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sheppard migration to the United States +

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Sheppard or a variant listed above:

Sheppard Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Thomas Sheppard, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 11
Robert Sheppard, aged 20, who arrived in Virginia in 1623 aboard the ship "Hopewell" 11
Lieutenant Sheppard, who landed in Virginia in 1623 11
Ould Sheppard, who landed in Virginia in 1623 11
Robert Sheppard, who arrived in Jamestown, Va in 1624 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sheppard Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Adam Sheppard, who landed in Virginia in 1705 11
Anne Sheppard, who landed in Virginia in 1713 11
William Sheppard, who arrived in Virginia in 1713 11
Eliza Sheppard, who arrived in Virginia in 1714 11
Margaret Sheppard, who landed in Virginia in 1714 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sheppard Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Peter Sheppard, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1815 11
James D Sheppard, who landed in New York in 1830 11
George G Sheppard, who landed in New York, NY in 1836 11
I B Sheppard, who landed in San Francisco, California in 1851 11
J W Sheppard, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1851 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sheppard Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Joseph Sheppard, who arrived in Arkansas in 1901 11

Sheppard migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Sheppard Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mr. Benjamin Sheppard U.E. who settled in St. David, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 12
Mr. Jacob Sheppard U.E. who settled in St. David, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 12
Mr. Joseph Sheppard U.E. born in Pennsylvania, USA who settled in St. Andrews, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 12
Mr. Richard Sheppard U.E. who settled in St. David, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 12
Mr. Samuel Sheppard U.E. born in Pennsylvania, USA who settled in St. Andrews, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sheppard Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Catherine Sheppard, aged 20, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the brig "Ann & Mary" from Cork, Ireland

Sheppard migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Sheppard Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Thomas Sheppard, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Fanny" on 25th August 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. George Sheppard, English convict who was convicted in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
William Sheppard, English convict from Norfolk, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on April 1st, 1822, settling in New South Wales, Australia 15
Mr. Francis Sheppard, English convict who was convicted in Dorset, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Claudine" on 19th August 1829, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Mr. William Sheppard, (Shepherd), (b. 1800), aged 29, English shoe maker who was convicted in Dorset, England for 14 years for house breaking, transported aboard the "Claudine" on 19th August 1829, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1893 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sheppard Settlers in Australia in the 20th Century

"Miss Sophia Sheppard, (b. 1801), aged 27, English needle woman who was convicted in Kent, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ""Competitor"" on 9th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia" 17

Sheppard migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Sheppard Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

William Sheppard, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1841
F. Sheppard, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Brougham" in 1842
R. Sheppard, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Brougham" in 1842
James Sheppard, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1843
Robert Sheppard, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1843
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Sheppard (post 1700) +

Harry Sheppard (1928-2022), American jazz vibraphonist who recorded and played with Roy Eldridge, Charlie Shavers, Red Allen, Cozy Cole, Sol Yaged, Georgie Auld and many more
Mike "Shep" Sheppard Sr. (1936-2019), American college baseball coach
William Taylor Sheppard (b. 1877), American Democratic Party politician, Member of West Virginia State House of Delegates from Greenbrier County, 1927-30
William E. Sheppard, American Democratic Party politician, Member of Maryland State House of Delegates from Wicomico County, 1884
William C. Sheppard, American politician, Member of Michigan Prohibition Party State Central Committee, 1899
William B. Sheppard, American politician, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, 1903-07
William Sheppard, American politician, Member of North Carolina House of Commons from Dobbs County, 1785, 1787
Walter W. Sheppard, American politician, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, 1932-33
W. Emmett Sheppard, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Texas, 1996, 2000, 2004
V. A. Sheppard, American Republican politician, Chair of Ray County Republican Party, 1949
... (Another 65 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Sheppard family +

Halifax Explosion

Mr. James Richard Sheppard (1865-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 18
Mr. William Sheppard, Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 18
Mr. Frank William Sheppard (1895-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 18

HMS Hood

Mr. Leonard F G Sheppard (b. 1905), English Petty Officer serving for the Royal Navy from Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 19

HMS Royal Oak

Ernest William Sheppard (1899-1939), British Able Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 20

SS Caribou

Mr. John Sheppard, (Shepherd), American passenger from Auburn, New York was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he died in the sinking

Vimy Ridge

Frederick Walter Sheppard (1893-1917), Canadian stove fitter, Private in the 44th Battalion from Manitoba who died at Vimy Ridge June 1917

The Sheppard Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Fide et virtute
Motto Translation: By fidelity and valour.

Citations +

Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1822 with 190 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1822
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 18th February 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/claudine
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/competitor
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html