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

Yana, 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 Yana surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yana in America

Yana is the 127494th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yana surname appeared 134 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 Yana.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yana 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 Yana

The surname Yana is believed to have its origins in Japan, where it is relatively rare. The etymology of Yana can be traced back to the ancient Japanese characters, where "ya" means "valley" and "na" means "vegetable" or "greens." The history of the name suggests a connection to agricultural landscapes, likely signifying families that lived near fertile valleys rich in vegetation. The origin of the name points to rural areas where agriculture would have been a way of life.

One of the earliest records of the surname Yana can be found in the 8th-century Japanese chronicles. The ancient text known as the Nihon Shoki or "Chronicles of Japan" contains references to families and clans tied to specific geographical features, including valleys and farming communities. The name Yana appeared within this context, indicating association with such locations. An old alternative spelling that has occasionally appeared in historical documents is Yanagawa, combining "Yana" and "gawa," the latter meaning "river," which further emphasizes the geographic relevance of the surname.

Historical references to the surname Yana are sparse in European manuscripts, as the name is primarily Japanese. Nonetheless, records from the Edo period (1603-1868) show its presence among samurai families and local nobility. These references are crucial as they highlight the social standing of individuals bearing the surname Yana, elevating it from being merely agricultural to one associated with military and governance roles in local regions.

One notable individual bearing the surname was Yana Yasumasa (1868-1948), a renowned Japanese botanist known for his significant contributions to plant taxonomy. His works are frequently cited in academic literature, underscoring the importance of the Yana surname in the realm of scientific advancements. Another example is Yana Motohiro, a feudal lord during the early 17th century, known for his role in local governance and agricultural reform in his domain.

Additionally, Yana Hiroshi (1753-1829), a well-known artist from the Edo period, made significant strides in traditional Japanese ink painting. He was an instrumental figure in the Bunjinga movement, where his works remain celebrated in Japanese art history. Yana Katsuyo (1902-1965) was a pioneer in Japanese education reform, advocating for broader and more inclusive education policies in the Taisho and early Showa periods. Lastly, Yana Takashi (1834-1901) was a key figure in the Meiji Restoration, contributing to Japan's rapid modernization and the ushering in of the Meiji Era.

The surname Yana, while rooted deeply in ancient Japanese agrarian society, has extended its significance through various noteworthy individuals across history. From contributions in botany and art to governance and education, bearers of this surname have marked their presence across multiple realms, ensuring that the name Yana continues to be associated with diverse and impactful legacies through the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yana

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

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

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

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