English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
name Uncommon

Sheldon

SHEHL-duhn

Sheldon (name) means a male given name and surname of English origin. Example: “Sheldon moved to Manchester after finishing university.”

name
1
A male given name and surname of English origin.
"Sheldon moved to Manchester after finishing university."

How to use Sheldon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn English surname turned first name.

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “Sheldon” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ moved to Manchester after finishing university.

Etymology

From Old English words for "shelf" and "hill" (or "valley"), originally describing a place name before becoming a surname and later a first name.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for Sheldon

See all rhymes for Sheldon →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Sheldon” mean?

The word “Sheldon” means a male given name and surname of English origin. In plain terms, an English surname turned first name.

How do you pronounce “Sheldon”?

“Sheldon” is pronounced SHEHL-duhn (/ˈʃɛldən/ in IPA).

How do you use “Sheldon” in a sentence?

Here is “Sheldon” used in a sentence: “Sheldon moved to Manchester after finishing university.”

What part of speech is “Sheldon”?

“Sheldon” is a name.

Where does the word “Sheldon” come from?

The word “Sheldon” comes from Old English. From Old English words for "shelf" and "hill" (or "valley"), originally describing a place name before becoming a surname and later a first name.

Is “Sheldon” a common word?

“Sheldon” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Is "Sheldon" used more often as a first name or a surname?

"Sheldon" functions as both a male given name and a surname of English origin, so it appears in both roles rather than one being the sole standard use. Which sense applies depends entirely on context.

What is the origin of the name "Sheldon"?

"Sheldon" is a name of English origin that was used as a surname before becoming established as a given name. It is typically given to boys.

Can "Sheldon" be a middle name as well as a first or last name?

The dictionary entry defines "Sheldon" as a male given name and surname of English origin, without restricting it to a particular position in a full name. As with most given names, it can in principle be used as a first, middle, or last name depending on family choice.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial