Shepard

/ˈʃɛpərd/ proper noun

Definition

A surname and given name, variant spelling of 'shepherd.' Notable bearers include astronaut Alan Shepard and playwright Sam Shepard.

Etymology

Variant spelling of 'shepherd,' from Old English sceaphierde, combining sceap (sheep) and hierde (herder). The surname developed from the occupation, with spelling variations emerging over centuries.

Kelly Says

Alan Shepard became the first American in space in 1961, and later played golf on the moon during Apollo 14 - making him literally a shepherd of space exploration. Occupational surnames like Shepard preserve medieval job titles that often no longer exist in their original form.

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