English surname used as a given name, derived from a place name meaning 'upper shore.'
Upshur is an English surname used as a given name, derived from a place name meaning upper shore. That origin gives it a clear geographical foundation, the kind common to English surnames that later become first names.
The meaning is practical and locational, tied to land and position. As a given name, Upshur feels strong, uncommon, and surname-like in the best sense. It has a firm, clipped sound that makes it memorable and a little formal.
Because it is so rare as a first name, it can feel distinctive and dignified. The place-based origin gives it a sense of rootedness, while the surname style makes it feel stately and unconventional.