Surname Herd - Meaning and Origin
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Herd: What does the surname Herd mean?
The surname Herd is believed to have originated from the British Isles. It has different potential meanings based on locations and dialects. In the context of Scotland and Northern England, where the name is quite prevalent, it primarily signifies a 'herdsman' or a 'keeper of cattle' or sheep, derived from the Middle English term "herde". Thus, it is often classified as an occupational surname referring to those involved in animal husbandry.
Another interpretation suggests that it could be a topographic name for someone who lived by a yard or a patch of firm land amid marsh, from an Old English term "heord". It is also noted that the surname may sometimes be derived from the Old English personal name "Heard", meaning 'brave', 'hardy'.
However, it is important to consider that these interpretations might not apply universally due to the varied geographical and historical contexts in which the surname has been used. In the modern context, there is no universally accepted definition or implied meaning to the surname Herd.
Order DNA origin analysisHerd: Where does the name Herd come from?
The surname Herd originates from the English and Scottish term for a herdsman or a keeper of cattle, akin to the Middle English "herde". This occupational surname is believed to have first appeared in Yorkshire, England, during the Middle Ages. In Scotland, the Herd family held a family seat in Tyneside from ancient times.
The Herd surname gradually spread throughout Britain, and later, with the expansion of the British Empire, to colonies around the world. It eventually reached countries such as Australia, United States, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Today, the surname Herd is quite common in English-speaking countries, in particular the United States, Canada, Australia, UK, and New Zealand. However, its highest prevalence remains in Scotland and Northern England. According to the latest census data, Herd is most common in Dundee City, Scotland.
Variations of the surname Herd
The surname Herd has various spellings and variants, likely due to its origins in the British Isles where diverse linguistic influences occurred over centuries. The most common variant spellings include Heard, Hird, Hurde, Hurd, and Herde.
Also, in Scotland, the surname can sometimes show up as Haird or Hardy, while in Ireland it was sometimes anglicized as Harte or Hart. The surname Herd is often confused with Herr, which is of German origin.
In some cases, similar sounding surnames such as Ford and Ward were recorded as Herd due to phonetic misspellings in census and other official documents.
This surname, in its different variants, may have multiple origins such as occupational or geographical. As Herd, it most likely refers to the occupation of a herdsman. As Heard, it might refer to someone who was hard of hearing. Yet, the term Hird in Old Norse means a shepherd or a member of a king's hird, which was the body of men surrounding a Scandinavian king or chieftain.
Remember, the exact origin and meaning can depend greatly on the historical and regional context, and people with these surnames may not necessarily be related.
Famous people with the name Herd
- Noel Herd: a British film and television producer
- Chris Herd: an Australian football player
- Steven Herd: an English professional golfer
- Dave Herd: an English professional football player
- Jeff Herd: an American professional basketball player
- Mary Herd: an American artist
- Charles Herd: an American actor
- John Herd: an American musician
- Macy Herd: an American actor
- Laura Herd: an English professional runner