The name Shepherd carries a rustic charm and a sense of responsibility. But how popular is the name Shepherd? Let’s delve into the data and explore everything we know about this distinctive moniker.
(Image of a baby with the name Shepherd)
Shepherd Name Popularity
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides valuable insights into the popularity of baby names in the United States. According to SSA data, the name Shepherd was not consistently ranked in the top names for newborns until relatively recently.
Prior to the 21st century, Shepherd saw virtually no recorded usage as a given name. Examining the historical data from 1910 to 2004, the name appears absent from the charts.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-2004 | — | 0 | 0% |
The name began to appear sporadically in the mid-2000s.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3,002 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2006 | 2,458 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 2007 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2008 | 2,573 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2009 | 2,111 | 16 | 0.0011% |
However, it wasn’t until the 2010s that Shepherd started gaining noticeable traction.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,412 | 58 | 0.004% |
| 2011 | 1,433 | 54 | 0.0038% |
| 2012 | 1,482 | 48 | 0.0034% |
| 2013 | 1,566 | 39 | 0.0027% |
| 2014 | 1,063 | 118 | 0.0081% |
| 2015 | 1,069 | 117 | 0.008% |
| 2016 | 837 | 200 | 0.0139% |
| 2017 | 749 | 250 | 0.0179% |
| 2018 | 676 | 296 | 0.0215% |
| 2019 | 607 | 389 | 0.0287% |
| 2020 | 590 | 416 | 0.0327% |
| 2021 | 516 | 529 | 0.0433% |
| 2022 | 487 | 587 | 0.0445% |
| 2023 | 405 | 754 | 0.0583% |
The data indicates a steady rise in popularity, with a notable increase in both the number of births and the percentage of births for babies named Shepherd, particularly in recent years.
Meaning and Origin
The name "Shepherd" directly references the occupation of tending sheep. It evokes imagery of pastoral landscapes, guidance, and protection. This connection to nature and caretaking can be appealing to parents seeking a name with strong, positive connotations.
Names Like Shepherd
If you’re drawn to the sound and feel of "Shepherd," consider these similar names:
Variants of Shepherd:
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Shep | Shepherd | English |
| Shepard | Shepherd | English |
| Shephard | Shepherd | English |
| Shepp | Shepherd | English |
| Sheppard | Shepherd | English |
| Shepperd | Shepherd | English |
Similar Names:
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Carden | Wood carder | English |
Siblings of Shepherd
Parents who chose the name Shepherd for their child also favored these names for their other children:
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Ember | Smoldering coal | English |
| Brighton | Bridge settlement | English |
| Fisher | Fisherman | English |
| Remedy | ||
| Banks | Edge of the River | English |
| Molly | Of the sea | English |
| Genesis | The beginning | Greek |
Conclusion
The name Shepherd is a unique and increasingly popular choice for baby boys. Its connection to nature, care, and guidance makes it a meaningful option for parents seeking a distinctive and evocative name. The rise in popularity suggests a growing appreciation for its rustic charm and strong connotations.