Find out how popular the first name Yarnell has been for the last 32 years (from 1977 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yarnell by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Yarnell is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 62% of people named Yarnell being female.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Yarnell.

It's also interesting to see that despite Yarnell being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2008 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Yarnell.

The history of the first name Yarnell

The given name Yarnell has its roots in the Old English language, originating from the Anglo-Saxon regions of what is now England. It dates back to the early medieval period, around the 7th to 11th centuries. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English words "gearnan" or "geornan," meaning "to yearn" or "to desire," and "feld" or "fell," referring to a field or open land.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yarnell can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "Gearnfeld," a place name likely referring to a settlement or land owned by someone with that name.

In the 12th century, the name Yarnell surfaced in various charters and property records, indicating its continued use among the Anglo-Saxon population. One notable individual bearing this name was Yarnell of Huntingdon, a landowner and minor nobleman who lived in the late 12th century.

During the Middle Ages, the name Yarnell was primarily confined to the northern and eastern regions of England, particularly in areas with strong Anglo-Saxon heritage, such as Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. It was not uncommon for people to adopt place names as their surnames during this period, which could explain the transition of Yarnell from a given name to a surname.

In the 16th century, the name Yarnell appeared in the court records of King Henry VIII, with a certain Yarnell Denton being mentioned as a royal servant. This suggests that individuals with this name had achieved some level of prominence and gained access to the royal court.

Another notable figure with the name Yarnell was Sir Yarnell Woodcock (1590-1651), a wealthy English landowner and Member of Parliament during the reign of King Charles I. He played a role in the English Civil War, initially siding with the Royalists before switching allegiances to the Parliamentarians.

Throughout the centuries, the name Yarnell has remained relatively uncommon, but it has maintained a presence, particularly in areas with strong Anglo-Saxon heritage. Other individuals bearing this name include Yarnell Witherspoon (1723-1795), a Scottish-born American preacher and educator, and Yarnell Abbott (1805-1876), an English author and journalist.

While the name Yarnell has deep historical roots, its usage has become increasingly rare in modern times, making it a unique and distinctive choice for those seeking a connection to their Anglo-Saxon heritage.

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 Yarnell was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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