Surname Shepperson - Meaning and Origin
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Shepperson: What does the surname Shepperson mean?
The last name Shepperson is an English occupational surname derived from the Middle English word shepe, meaning “sheep.” It was likely given to someone who herded sheep, or owned or managed land belonging to sheep farms. The Old English suffix “son” was often added to occupational surnames to denote a son of someone in that profession, so literally the last name Shepperson means “son of the sheep herder.”
Occupational surnames were especially common in England and were used to indicate the profession or trade of an individual. By the 12th century, many of these last names had taken the form they still have today, reflecting the evolution of the English language and changing jobs throughout the centuries. During this era, agriculture was one of the main occupations in England.
The use of surnames was initially a way for people to distinguish themselves from one another in a large community where others may have had the same first name. It was often the case that people developed their own unique last names due to their location, profession, or family heritage. Names could also be changed to sound more prestigious or poetic.
Therefore, the last name Shepperson was likely one of many occupational surnames used in England during the Middle Ages, when herding sheep was a common form of employment. It was an efficient way of identifying someone within the community. This last name may still be found today in some English-speaking regions, likely with people who are related to the original sheep herder.
Order DNA origin analysisShepperson: Where does the name Shepperson come from?
The last name Shepperson is not a particularly common name today. It is mainly found in the United States and Europe. In the United States, Shepperson is most frequently found in rural areas of the Midwest, specifically the states of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
In Europe, Shepperson is mainly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in the county of Somerset, the place of origin for the name. According to family records, the Shepperson name originated in the village of Weare Bellan in Somerset in 1553. Despite this, the name is still relatively rare in Somerset today.
Further afield, the Shepperson name has spread to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. It has been recorded in cities as diverse as Vancouver, New York, Sydney, and Johannesburg.
It is said that the Shepperson family today are believed to come from Isaac Shepperson, a captain in the British Navy who settled in the US after the War of 1812. The majority of people who have this surname today are believed to be descended from this naval captain.
Therefore, the last name Shepperson is not a particularly common name today and can be found mainly in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa, with family records tracing its origin back to 1553.
Variations of the surname Shepperson
Shepperson is a variant spelling of Sheppardson. The surname Sheppardson is thought to have originated in the early medieval period. It is usually derived from the English occupational surname "shepherd" or the Norman French variation of "seigneur". The occupational origin suggests the name was originally given to someone who was a shepherd, or a keeper of sheep.
The earliest records of the name Sheppardson in England date from the 12th century. Variations of this name have included Shepperson, Shepperdson, Shepperdsone, Shapperson, Seperson, and Sheppherson. In Scotland, the variant spelling of Shephardson is found. In Ireland, the surname is often spelt as Sheppardsob and Shepherdson.
In the United States, the surname is most commonly spelled Shepperson, and is found in early colonial records. Immigrants who entered the United States in the 19th century changed their surname to Shepperson or some other variation, as was common as many of these arrivals sought to assimilate into their new homeland.
Today, the surname is found in many countries across the world, often in a variety of spellings.
In summary, the surname Shepperson is originally derived from the English occupational surname "shepherd' and variations of this name include Sheppardson, Shepperdson, Shapperson, Seperson, Sheppherson, Shephardson, Sheppardsob and Shepherdson. Furthermore, it is often found in different spellings in different countries, such as Shepperson in the United States.
Famous people with the name Shepperson
- Gary Shepperson: British professional golfer
- Reg Shepperson: a British military officer and politician
- Peter Shepperson: a British musician and former member of the band 808 State
- Paul Shepperson: the former Chief Inspector of Prisons in the UK
- Jody Shepperson: an American author, speaker, and life coach
- Billy Shepperson: a former professional ice hockey player
- Jay Shepperson: an American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist
- Debbie Shepperson: a British actress
- William Shepperson: a British dancer and choreographer
- Imogen Shepperson: a British event planner and lifestyle expert