Sheldonn / Sheldon

Sheldon is an English surname and given name derived from a place name. The name comes from the Old English elements 'scelf' meaning 'shelf' or 'steep slope' and 'dun' meaning 'hill' or 'fortress'. Thus, it literally means 'steep-sided valley' or 'plateau on a hill'. The name was originally used to denote someone who lived in or near such a place. As a given name, it gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, often as a transferred surname.