How Many People Are Named Sheppard?
Complete statistics for the name Sheppard: rarity score, gender breakdown, age distribution, historical popularity, worldwide data, meaning and origin.
Sheppard means 'shepherd' and has roots in Old English, making it a rare name for boys today. Only 506 people named Sheppard live in the US, which means 1 in 652,597 Americans have this name, truly setting it apart. The name peaked in popularity in 2023 with 38 births, showing it's gaining traction among younger parents.
📖 Meaning & Origin
Traditionally, the life path number 6 represents harmony, balance, and nurturing.
🌍 Worldwide Usage
⚥ Gender Distribution
📊 Births by Age Group
Avg Cohort Age: 41All 676 recorded US births for this name, grouped by the age those individuals would be today. Not adjusted for survival, so the number living today is lower (see the living estimate above).
📈 Popularity Over Time
Peak: 2023Annual US births from SSA records · Trend: Rising
🏆 Name Scorecard
Scores 0–100 based on statistical analysis of US and worldwide name frequency
📜 Sheppard Through the Generations
Sheppard stands out as a name that's becoming increasingly popular among modern families. With 506 individuals bearing this name in the United States, it's clear that Sheppard is a relatively new choice for parents. Interestingly, the majority of those named Sheppard are under 30 years old, indicating a strong preference for this name among younger generations. In fact, 56% of people named Sheppard fall into this age group, suggesting that Sheppard is indeed a name for the future. The peak year for Sheppard was 2023, with 38 births, marking a significant rise in its usage. This trend shows that Sheppard is not just a passing fad but a name that's here to stay, with an average age of 41 years, reflecting its growing presence across different age groups.
📍 State Distribution (Top 10)
🌿 Related Names by Origin
Other names sharing Sheppard's Old English roots
📄 About the Name Sheppard
How Many People Have the Name Sheppard?
Based on Social Security Administration birth records and age-adjusted survival modeling, approximately 35,274 people in the United States currently share the name Sheppard. That works out to roughly 1 in every 9,396 Americans, placing it in the Uncommon category.
Is Sheppard a Common or Rare Name?
Sheppard is classified as Uncommon. The rarity scale runs from Very Common (shared by millions) through Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Very Rare. Understanding where a name sits helps parents gauge uniqueness, genealogists narrow down records, and individuals settle debates about their own name's distinctiveness.
What Does the Name Sheppard Mean?
Sheppard means "shepherd" and comes from Old English origins. The name carries a life-path numerology number of 6.
Gender Breakdown
Of all recorded bearers of Sheppard in SSA data, approximately 100% are male and 0% are female.
When Was Sheppard Most Popular?
The name Sheppard reached peak popularity in 2023, with 38 babies registered that year. Current trend: Rising.
How Is This Data Calculated?
All figures are statistical estimates, not exact government headcounts. The underlying data comes from the SSA National Baby Names dataset. Full methodology is explained on the methodology page.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are named Sheppard?
Approximately 35,274 people named Sheppard live in the United States today. All-time US births on record total 35,274. That works out to roughly 1 in 9,396 Americans.
Is Sheppard a rare name?
Sheppard is classified as Uncommon in the United States. Approximately 1 in every 9,396 Americans has this name.
What does the name Sheppard mean?
Sheppard means "shepherd" and comes from Old English origins.
Is Sheppard more male or female?
Based on SSA records, 100% of people named Sheppard are male and 0% are female.
When was Sheppard most popular?
Sheppard peaked in 2023 with 38 births that year. Current trend: Rising.
How accurate are these statistics?
All figures are statistical estimates based on SSA birth records and age-adjusted modeling. See the methodology page for full details.