How Many English Counties End In Shire Updated May 2026

The suffix "-shire" is one of the most recognizable features of English geography. It conjures images of rolling green hills, market towns, and historic rural landscapes. But how many of England’s modern or historic counties actually bear this ancient label? The answer depends on whether you are looking at the ceremonial counties (used for modern local government and lord-lieutenancies) or the historic counties (which have deeper roots but are no longer administrative units).