Unisex
Wiley
Scottish, German, English
“resolute protection; from Wylye; clearing of willows”
Mostly boys · Occupational name
Shepherd
“sheep herder”
Say it SHEP-erdPronunciation may vary by region.
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A little maybe, saved for later.
The story behind the name
Meet Shepherd.
Shepherd has spiritual undertones, links with Christmas, and an air of wisdom about it, however it doesn't feel too much. Its sounds and rustic feel keep it grounded.
. There are other spelling choices: Shepard, Sheperd, and Sheppard--all of which lead to the friendly nickname Shep. Artist Shepard Fairey (original first name Frank) gained a lot of attention for his Obama HOPE poster.
The various spellings are additionally reflected in the surnames of astronaut Alan Shepard, "Winnie the Pooh" illustrator Ernest Shepard, actor/playwright Sam Shepard, "A Christmas Story" writer Jean Shepherd, Fox News anchor Shepard Smith, and actress Cybill Shepherd.
8 letters
A little perspective
How popular is Shepherd?
Girls · 2025#11,7858 recorded births
Boys · 2025#2461,408 recorded births
Recorded US births over time
● Girls● Boys
View the numbers behind the chart
| Year | Category | US rank | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Boys | 246 | 1,408 |
| 2025 | Girls | 11,785 | 8 |
| 2024 | Boys | 311 | 1,099 |
| 2024 | Girls | 10,164 | 10 |
| 2023 | Boys | 405 | 789 |
| 2022 | Boys | 494 | 619 |
| 2022 | Girls | 13,383 | 7 |
| 2021 | Boys | 528 | 558 |
| 2020 | Boys | 595 | 463 |
| 2019 | Boys | 625 | 434 |
| 2018 | Boys | 716 | 339 |
| 2017 | Boys | 791 | 293 |
| 2016 | Boys | 848 | 265 |
| 2015 | Boys | 1,109 | 174 |
| 2014 | Boys | 1,157 | 164 |
Rankings are calculated separately for boys and girls. Records below the publication threshold may be missing; gaps are not zero births.
A few ways to make it theirs.
Nicknames
No nicknames are listed yet. The name can stand beautifully on its own.
Variations & related forms
ShepShepardShephardSheppardShepperd
Keep the possibilities coming
If you love Shepherd…
More names with a similar feeling or shared roots.