What is the Origin of word shepherd?

Boldly forging history through the gathering mists of time with the formidable family motto of "By Fidelity And Virtue!", the proud and noble English surname of Shephard is an occupational surname, describing a person who guards and herds sheep. It is first found in the Southern counties during very early times.

The Scottish branch of the family is first found in the records of Peebles in 1262 A.D.