Surname Shippard - Meaning and Origin
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Shippard: What does the surname Shippard mean?
The surname Shippard is said to have originated from England. It's thought to be a variant of 'Shepherd' derived from the Middle English word "sche(e)p," meaning sheep and "herde," meaning herdsman or guardian. Thus, it was likely used as an occupational surname for individuals who raised or tended sheep. Like many surnames that began as job designations, Shippard denotes the profession carried out by the initial bearer of the name. The shift in spelling from Shepherd to Shippard may have been due to phonetic transcription over centuries, as many surnames have evolved and morphed due to regional accents and dialects. However, surnames' meanings can differ based on regional and cultural differences, so this explanation may not be universally accurate for all people bearing the surname Shippard.
Order DNA origin analysisShippard: Where does the name Shippard come from?
The last name Shippard is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, and primarily in England. It appears to originate from the Middle Ages when it was a topographical name given to someone who lived near a shippon or shipyard.
Today, the name is most heavily concentrated in London, which is unsurprising given the city’s long history as a major port. It is also particularly common in the counties of Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, and Northamptonshire.
The name is also found in Australia, where it has been established for several centuries. This is likely due to the great number of British colonists who arrived in the country in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The name Shippard is less common in the United States, though it can be located in some of the original 13 colonies. In particular, family historians may find that settlers immigrated to states like Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.
Overall, Shippard is a relatively uncommon last name. It has likely endured because of its association with boats and the sea, which was essential throughout the centuries for communication and commerce.
Variations of the surname Shippard
The surname Shippard is typically of British origin and is considered a variant spelling of Sheppard. It is likely that the surname has changed over the centuries as people moved to different places.
Variant spellings of Shippard include Sheppard, Shipperd, and Shippert. There are also somewhat less common variant spellings such as Shepheard, Shepparde, Shepperd, Shepphard, Sheppherd, Sheppherde, Sippard, Shippard, Skipperd, and Shippard.
As far as surnames of the same origin, some variants include Shepard, Leppert, Shepherd, Shepperd, Sipprell, and Shippey. Additionally, some of the older 17th century spellings of the surname include Shypherd, Skipard, Shepheard, Sharpherd, Shippard, Shephearde, and Sheppey.
Regardless of the variant spelling or surname, the surname Shippard typically originates from England, Scotland, or Ireland. The first records of the family were typically from schools in England, which indicate that the surname was used as early as the 14th century. It is likely that the surname derived from the Old English word 'Scippe' which translated as 'shepherd'. It has been suggested that the surname was very likely originally borne by someone with the occupation of a shepherd.
Famous people with the name Shippard
- Charles Shippard: Charles was an American actor and film producer best known for the films Barf and San Andreas.
- Abigail Shippard: Abigail is an American author, known for her novel the Social Network and other works of fiction.
- James Shippard: James was an English aviator, explorer, and fighter pilot during World War II.
- Joe Shippard: Joe was an American football player who played at the University of Tennessee and for the Minnesota Vikings.
- Sarah Shippard: Sarah is an Australian actress best known for her roles in the television series Offspring and Winners and Losers.
- William Shippard: William was an American entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded the Shippard Foundation devoted to promoting of medical research, science education, and art.
- Sarah Jane Shippard: Sarah Jane is an American country music singer-songwriter best known for her songs “Last Name” and “What I Did.”
- Mark Shippard: Mark is an American production designer best known for his work in movies including Salt, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Skyfall.
- Jeffrey Shippard: Jeffrey is an American political and economic consultant, best known for his work with the National Governors Association and the White House.
- Jack Shippard: Jack was an American race car driver who competed in the Indianapolis 500.