Summary

The surname Shields is believed to have originated from the British Isles, particularly from Scotland and Ireland. It is an occupational surname, derived from the word 'sceald,' meaning 'shield' or 'protector.' It is often associated with individuals who were skilled in the art of making or carrying shields. Over the centuries, the Shields surname spread and can now be found across the world, particularly in English-speaking countries.
There are
50832
Shieldss in the USA
Shields is the
672nd
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Shields

BrookeShields

Brooke Shields is an American actress and model who gained fame as a child star in films like 'Pretty Baby' and 'The Blue Lagoon.' She has since had a successful career in both film and television.

RobertShields

Robert Shields was an American pantomime artist known for his unique style and innovative performances. He gained recognition for his work as part of the duo Shields and Yarnell.

CharlieShields

Charlie Shields is an American politician who served as the president of the Missouri Senate from 2007 to 2009. He has been involved in public service for many years.

CarolShields

Carol Shields was a Canadian-American author known for her novels and short stories. She won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1995 for her novel 'The Stone Diaries.'

TimShields

Tim Shields is a former Major League Baseball player who played for the Kansas City Royals. He had a successful career as a relief pitcher.

AndrewShields

Andrew Shields is a Scottish physicist known for his work in the field of quantum optics and quantum information. He has made significant contributions to the development of quantum cryptography.

AnnaShields

Anna Shields is an American long-distance runner who specializes in the marathon. She has represented the United States in international competitions.

EugeneShields

Eugene Shields was an Irish nationalist and politician who served as the Member of Parliament for East Galway from 1910 to 1922. He was a prominent figure in the Irish independence movement.

LindaShields

Linda Shields is an Australian professor of nursing and a leading expert in the field. She has made significant contributions to the advancement of nursing education and research.

DavidShields

David Shields is an American writer and professor known for his innovative approach to storytelling. He has written several books that blur the boundaries between fiction and non-fiction.

Shields Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Shields' has origins in both England and Ireland. In England, it is derived from the Old English word 'sceald,' which means 'shield' or 'protected.' In Ireland, it is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name 'Mac Sgiolla,' meaning 'son of the servant or follower of Sgiolla.'
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Shields' is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in northern England and Scotland. It is also fairly common in Ireland and the United States.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Shields' include 'Sheilds' and 'Sheildes.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Shields' has been carried by immigrants from England and Ireland to various countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as other countries with significant English and Irish diasporas.