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

Yellowbird, 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 Yellowbird surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yellowbird in America

Yellowbird is the 119508th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yellowbird surname appeared 145 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 Yellowbird.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yellowbird 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 Yellowbird

The surname Yellowbird has its origins among the Indigenous peoples of North America, particularly the Plains tribes such as the Cree, Sioux, and the Crow. The name is often symbolic and derived from the yellow warbler, a small songbird native to these regions known for its bright yellow plumage and sweet song. The usage of avian-related surnames is prevalent in many Native American cultures, often as a totemic representation or a spiritual guide.

The earliest documented references to the surname Yellowbird can be traced back to the early 19th century, during the period of increased interaction between the Indigenous tribes and European settlers. This time saw many Indigenous people being recorded in treaties and other official documents. One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname is from the 1830s, associated with a chief of the Cree Nation known simply as Chief Yellowbird, who was noted for his involvement in trade negotiations with the Hudson's Bay Company.

In the mid-19th century, records from missionary work among the Plains tribes frequently mention individuals with the surname Yellowbird. Reverend John T. Yellowbird, born in 1845 and died in 1922, played a significant role in translating Christian texts into the Cree language. His work facilitated the spread of literacy and religion among his people and left a lasting legacy in Canadian missionary records.

Another notable historical figure is Mary Yellowbird, born in 1867, who was a prominent craftswoman known for her intricate beadwork. Her creations were exhibited in various fairs and expos across North America. She passed away in 1934, but her artistry is preserved in museum collections today, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of her people.

In the early 20th century, Yellow Bird was a notable poet and writer whose works were published in several collections and journals. Born in 1890 and died in 1954, he contributed significantly to the preservation and celebration of Indigenous oral traditions through his written works, which often featured themes of nature, warrior culture, and spirituality.

Lastly, Joseph Yellowbird, born in 1920 and died in 1978, was a distinguished war hero who served valiantly in World War II. His bravery and leadership during the Normandy Invasion earned him several military honors, and posthumously, he became a symbol of Native American patriotism and valor.

These historical figures illustrate the depth and richness of the surname Yellowbird, reflecting a legacy intertwined with cultural significance, artistic endeavors, spiritual guidance, and courage. The name Yellowbird continues to be a prominent reminder of Native American heritage and the enduring spirit of its people.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yellowbird

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

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

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

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