Summary

The surname Sheldon originated in England and is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name 'Scyld', meaning 'shield', and the word 'tun', meaning 'enclosure' or 'settlement'. The name Sheldon was likely initially used to refer to someone living near a settlement surrounded by a protective barrier or by a hill shaped like a shield. Over time, the surname spread to different parts of the world through migration and colonization.
There are
19339
Sheldons in the USA
Sheldon is the
1855th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Sheldon

GilbertSheldon

Gilbert Sheldon was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1663 until his death in 1677. He played a key role in the restoration of the monarchy in England after the English Civil War.

SidneySheldon

Sidney Sheldon was an American writer and producer, known for his bestselling novels and hit television shows such as 'I Dream of Jeannie' and 'Hart to Hart.'

AnnaSheldon

Anna Sheldon was an American suffragist who fought for women's right to vote. She played a significant role in the suffrage movement in the early 20th century.

SamuelSheldon

Samuel Sheldon was an English explorer who traveled to Africa in the 19th century to study the flora and fauna of the continent. His expeditions contributed to the field of natural history.

SarahSheldon

Sarah Sheldon was a renowned British painter known for her landscape and portrait paintings. She was active in the 18th century and her works are displayed in several prestigious art galleries.

WilliamSheldon

William Sheldon was an American psychologist and researcher who developed the theory of somatotype, which classifies human body types into three categories: endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph.

EmilySheldon

Emily Sheldon was a British scientist who made significant contributions to the field of genetics. Her research on inheritance patterns helped advance our understanding of genetic traits.

HenrySheldon

Henry Sheldon was an American industrialist and philanthropist who made substantial contributions to education and healthcare. He funded the establishment of several schools and hospitals.

LauraSheldon

Laura Sheldon was a pioneering journalist and women's rights activist in the United States. She advocated for equal rights and opportunities for women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

CharlesSheldon

Charles Sheldon was an American conservationist and writer who played a key role in the establishment of Denali National Park in Alaska. He is known for his efforts to protect wildlife and wilderness areas.

Sheldon Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Sheldon' is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name 'Scyld' or 'Sceald,' combined with 'tun,' meaning 'settlement' or 'enclosure.' The name originally referred to someone who lived in or near a settlement named after the Scyld or Sceald.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Sheldon' is found in various English-speaking countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Within the United States, it is most prevalent in New York, California, and Massachusetts.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Sheldon' include 'Sheffield' and 'Shelland.'
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Sheldon' have migrated and immigrated to various countries throughout history. Some immigrated to the United States during the colonization of North America, while others migrated to countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in search of new opportunities.