Find out how popular the last name Yako is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Yako.

Yako, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Yako surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yako in America

Yako is the 54752nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yako surname appeared 376 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Yako.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yako to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Yako

The surname Yako likely has its origins in Japan, with deep roots in the country's historical and linguistic tapestry. The name Yako is thought to be regional, originating from specific areas in Japan, possibly linked to a geographical location or a characteristic of the natural landscape. The "-ko" suffix in Japanese often denotes a child or a son, suggesting that Yako could be linked to familial or lineage identification.

Etymologically, Yako may derive from ancient Japanese words or characters. The character for "Ya" (谷) can mean "valley", indicative of a geographical origin, while "Ko" may refer to an offspring, thus, Yako could mean "child of the valley" or "someone from the valley". Similar spellings in historical records may reveal variations like Yago, which could be indicative of regional dialect differences or transliteration variations over time.

Historical records mention the surname Yako in various manuscripts and regional documents. During the Edo period (1603-1868), a period of remarkable documentation and record-keeping in Japan, numerous samurai records, land registries, and temple logs noted the name Yako. One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Yako dates back to the early 1700s, within a temple registry in the Kansai region.

Significant individuals bearing the surname Yako include Yako Raizou, a samurai warrior who served under a minor daimyo in the mid-1700s. His notable participation in the defense of the daimyo's territory during regional conflicts is recorded in several war chronicles. Another early notable figure is Yako Haruto, a poet and calligrapher from the late Edo period, born in 1780 and celebrated for his contributions to classical Japanese poetry until his death in 1845.

Shifting forward in time, Yako Takeshi, a well-known merchant and landowner in the late 1800s, contributed significantly to local economic developments during the Meiji Restoration. His trade connections and modern business practices were vital in transitioning local economies into the new era. The records from the period of his activity show Yako Takeshi's impact on the burgeoning economic landscape.

In the 20th century, Yako Sadao emerged as a key cultural figure. Born in 1915, he was an anthropologist whose extensive research on rural Japanese communities earned him respect in academic circles. His work, especially in documenting and preserving the cultural practices of remote regions, continued until his passing in 1982. His academic contributions are still referenced in contemporary cultural studies.

Another significant contributor to Japanese arts is Yako Hideo, a painter and sculptor born in 1930 who gained recognition for his contemporary interpretations of traditional Japanese themes. His works are displayed in several major art galleries across Japan, symbolizing the blend of old and new artistic expressions. Yako Hideo's art remains influential, resonating with both historical reverence and modern innovation.

The surname Yako serves as a testament to the rich, multifaceted history and cultural heritage of Japan. The tracing of individuals bearing this name offers insights into their varied contributions across different periods, showcasing the evolving narrative anchored in their shared lineage. Whether through martial valor, economic prowess, academic rigor, or artistic creativity, the Yako name holds a distinguished place within Japanese historical and cultural contexts.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yako

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Yako.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Yako was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Yako has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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