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

Yearby, 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 Yearby surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yearby in America

Yearby is the 23397th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yearby surname appeared 1,087 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 Yearby.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yearby 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 Yearby

The surname Yearby traces its origin to England, specifically within the Anglo-Saxon period. It is believed to be a locational surname, derived from the place name Yarborough in Lincolnshire. The name Yarborough itself is rooted in Old English and Old Norse elements. The Old English "eorðe" (earth or soil) and the Old Norse "borg" (fortress or fortification) combine into a name that would have originally described a geographical location defined by a significant natural or man-made feature.

Variations of the surname Yearby can be found, reflecting the evolution of language and spelling over centuries. In early records, it is often spelled as Yarburgh, Yarburgh, or Yarbrough. One of the earliest documented instances of the name appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is recorded as Gerburg. This confusion in spelling can be attributed to the phonetic nature of Middle English and Old Norse influences.

Historical records show the presence of the name Yearby in various documents and charters. For example, a notable reference is found in a 13th-century pipe roll, a financial record of the royal treasury, indicating a Hugh de Yarborough. He is believed to have been a landowner and an influential figure during the reign of Richard I. This early reference underscores the name's connection to the land and its persistent association with specific locales.

Another individual, William Yearby (b. 1323 - d. 1378), was recorded in county archives as a yeoman, an independent farmer who owned his land, a respectable social standing in medieval England. By the late 15th century, Robert Yearby (b. 1487 - d. 1532) appears in parish registers and court documents, indicating the continuation of the family line through generations.

The transition of the surname into different regions of England continued over the centuries. Elizabeth Yearby (b. 1625 - d. 1693) is another historical figure associated with significant events. Born in Lincolnshire, she later moved to London during a period of urban migration and economic change after the English Civil War. Elizabeth's records illustrate the adaptive and resilient nature of the family name as it navigated through turmoil and societal shifts.

By the 18th century, the name had spread further, with references to John Yearby (b. 1701 - d. 1765), who was listed in naval records, serving in the Royal Navy. His journey reflects the broader spread of the surname beyond its agricultural roots, entering into diverse fields and professions.

Throughout history, the surname Yearby has demonstrated a deep connection to the land and evolving societal roles. Its earliest origins tie it to a specific locality in England, where it draws meaning from the natural and constructed landscape. Over centuries, individuals bearing the name made their mark in various aspects of society, leaving a legacy captured in historical documents and records.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yearby

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

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

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

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