Origin of the surname Sheard

Recorded in several forms as shown be;low, this is an early English surname. It is residential, and was originally recorded mainly in Cheshire and Worcestershire. It describes someone who lived by a gap between hills from the Old English pre 7th century word "sceard". A number of placenames are derived from the same term including Shardlow in Derbyshire, meaning "notched hill", Sharston in Cheshire, "notched stone", and "Scarcliff" also in Derbyshire, "cliff with a scar or gap". Topographical surnames were among the earliest created since both natural and man-made features in the landscape provided easily recognisable distinguishing surnames in the small communities of medieval England.

The modern surname from this source can be found as Shard, Sheard, Shearde, Sherd, Shord, Shoard, Sheards, Shuard, Shurd, and possibly others. Early examples of recordings taken from surviving church registers include John Shord who was christened on January 9th 1559 at Christchurch, Greyfriars, in the city of London, the marriage of Edward Sheard and Jane Hodige at St. Thomas's Dudley, in Worcestershire, on March 30th 1673, and Francis Shuard, a christening witness at St Giles Cripplegate, city of London, on February 14th 1751. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William atte Sharde. This was dated 1275, in the Worcestershire Subsidy Tax Rolls, during the reign of King Edward 1st, known as "The Hammer of the Scots", 1272-1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was sometimes known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The surname Sheard. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Research into the possible origins of sheard leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname sheard, and in addition to the original locations of sheard, we can find out where people with the surname sheard can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of sheard.

The surname Sheard around the world

There is a considerable probability that sheard has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where sheard is most abundant are the following. The mobility of people carrying the surname sheard has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.

History of Sheard

The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named sheard are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname sheard are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname sheard.

It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of sheard could be modified. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname sheard or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of sheard.

Notable Figures Named Sheard

We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname sheard, even though not all have been documented to our present day. A surname like sheard can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname sheard, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname sheard who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Sheard and its bibliographic sources

The bibliography collects information related to the surname sheard, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname sheard, as well as many other surnames. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of sheard.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of sheard, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Sheard