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

Yankus, 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 Yankus surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yankus in America

Yankus is the 100302nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yankus surname appeared 180 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 Yankus.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yankus 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 Yankus

The surname Yankus has its roots in Eastern Europe, particularly Lithuania. The name likely originated during the late medieval period, with its earliest instances found in regions that were under the influence of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. This was a period when surnames became more structured and common among the inhabitants.

The name Yankus appears to be derived from a personal Lithuanian given name, "Jankus," which itself is a diminutive form of the name Jan, a version of John. The name John has biblical origins and is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." Over time, as naming conventions evolved, "Jankus" morphed into a family name, maintaining the phonetic similarity while establishing a distinct identity.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yankus appears in old Lithuanian civil records from the 16th century. In these documents, individuals with the surname Yankus were noted for their involvement in agricultural and trade activities, which were the predominant occupations in the region during that era. During this period, surnames often reflected professions or familial lineages, indicating that the Yankus family may have been well-regarded in their community.

An exploration of historical manuscripts reveals that a notable person bearing the surname Yankus was Tomas Yankus, born around 1620. He was a landowner and a prominent figure in his local village, contributing to the community's development through various civic duties. The records of Tomas Yankus provide insights into the social standing and contributions of the Yankus family during the 17th century.

In the 18th century, another significant individual was Jonas Yankus, born in 1745, who was known for his involvement in regional politics and as an advocate for local governance reforms. His efforts are documented in letters and petitions addressed to the Lithuanian nobility, shedding light on his influence and the respect he garnered.

The 19th century saw the emergence of Petras Yankus, born in 1802, a notable figure in Lithuanian cultural movements. Petras was a writer and poet, whose works centered on themes of national identity and social justice. His literary contributions are archived in various Lithuanian museums and libraries, highlighting the cultural impact of the Yankus name.

Jurgis Yankus, born in 1871, played a significant role during the transitional period when Lithuania was striving for independence. As a local leader and activist, Jurgis was instrumental in organizing grassroots movements that aimed at mobilizing the populace for the cause of national sovereignty. His efforts are documented in several historical records and newspapers of the time.

Lastly, in the early 20th century, we find references to Aleksandras Yankus, born in 1898, who was a renowned scholar and educator. Aleksandras dedicated his life to the advancement of education and the preservation of Lithuanian cultural heritage. His scholarly works and contributions to educational reforms are well-documented, and his legacy is remembered in academic circles in Lithuania.

Throughout history, the surname Yankus has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, whether through politics, literature, or education. The name's evolution reflects both the local customs of Lithuania and the broader historical changes that shaped the region.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yankus

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

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

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

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