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

Yari, 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 Yari surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yari in America

Yari is the 138304th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yari surname appeared 121 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 Yari.

The history of the last name Yari

The surname Yari is believed to have its origins in regions primarily within the Middle East, particularly in Iran and Central Asia. The name dates back to at least the medieval period, showing evidence of its use among people living in these regions. While specific dates are somewhat obscure, linguistic patterns suggest that Yari could have been used as early as the 12th century.

The name Yari may derive from the Persian word "یار" (yār), which means "friend" or "companion." This term has appeared consistently in Persian literature and classical texts. The etymology indicates strong cultural underpinnings where individuals were often named after traits deemed virtuous, suggesting that people bearing the Yari surname were likely respected and valued in their communities.

Historical references to the surname Yari appear in various old Persian manuscripts and trade records, indicating the presence of families with this name in bustling trade cities such as Isfahan and Samarkand. One of the earliest documented references to the name is from a 13th-century Persian manuscript found in Isfahan, which details the life of Amir Hassan Yari, a local merchant born in 1195 and a notable figure in the community.

Over time, the Yari surname spread to different regions, adapting to local dialects and languages. For instance, in the Ottoman archives from the 16th century, the name is mentioned several times, including a reference to Selim Yari, an Ottoman soldier born in 1503 who played a role in regional military campaigns.

Among the notable bearers of the surname, Javad Yari, an Iranian poet born in 1628, contributed significantly to Persian literature. His works often reflected themes of companionship and loyalty, echoing the etymological roots of his surname. Another renowned individual was Ahmed Yari, a philosopher from Central Asia, who lived from 1735 to 1796 and was well-regarded for his writings on human ethics and relationships.

The Yari surname also appears in the court records of the 18th century Safavid dynasty, where Reza Ali Yari, born in 1690, served as a court advisor. His role in the administration was pivotal in diplomatic relations with neighboring states.

In the 19th century, the name continued to appear across various records. Maryam Yari, an educator born in 1842, is one such example. She was instrumental in promoting women's education in Iran, making significant strides in opening schools dedicated to the education of young girls.

The surname Yari, with its deep etymological roots and historical prominence, continues to be a recognizable name in various regions, reflecting a rich heritage of companionship and strong social bonds.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yari

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

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 Yari 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.

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

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

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