Find out how popular the first name Yancey has been for the last 47 years (from 1974 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yancey by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Yancey is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Yancey being male.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Yancey.

The history of the first name Yancey

The name Yancey is an English surname that has been adopted as a given name, particularly in the United States. It is derived from the Old English word "geance," which means "to advance or go forward." The name was originally a locational surname, likely referring to someone who lived near a promontory or projecting piece of land.

Yancey can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England, where it was spelled in various ways, including Yancey, Yancie, Yancy, and Yauncy. The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the 13th century, when it appeared in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Yancey was Sir Robert Yancey, an English knight who fought in the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 during the Hundred Years' War between England and France. He was recognized for his bravery and valor on the battlefield.

In the 16th century, the name Yancey appeared in the works of William Shakespeare. In his play "The Merry Wives of Windsor," one of the characters is referred to as "Master Yancey," suggesting that the name was in use during the Elizabethan era.

During the American Revolutionary War, Yancey was the given name of Yancey Bright (1738-1813), a soldier and farmer from Virginia who fought in the Continental Army. He was known for his courage and dedication to the cause of American independence.

Another notable figure was Yancey Pitts (1788-1870), a politician from Kentucky who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1833 to 1837. He was an advocate for the rights of Native Americans and played a role in the negotiations leading to the removal of the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral lands.

In the 19th century, Yancey Pridmore (1837-1913) was a Baptist minister and educator from Mississippi. He founded several schools and colleges, including Blue Mountain College, and was instrumental in promoting education in the southern United States.

While the name Yancey is not as common today as it once was, it continues to hold historical significance and is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of English and American naming traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Yancey was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Yancey, please contact us.

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