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

Yellowhawk, 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 Yellowhawk surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yellowhawk in America

Yellowhawk is the 131379th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yellowhawk surname appeared 129 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 Yellowhawk.

The history of the last name Yellowhawk

The surname Yellowhawk has its origins among Native American tribes, specifically within the Lakota Sioux tribe, which historically settled in the regions that are today known as the Great Plains of North America. Its origins can be traced back as far as the pre-colonial era, although it became more commonly documented in the 19th century.

The name Yellowhawk is derived from a straightforward translation of Lakota words. It combines “zi,” meaning "yellow," with "cega," meaning "hawk." The imagery of a yellow hawk could hold significant cultural and totemic significance, relating to traits admired within the tribe or reflecting a particular vision or event tied to the individual's ancestor.

Historical references to Yellowhawk can be found in government and tribal records from the 1800s, especially in connection with treaties and reservations. One of the earliest prominent figures was Chief Yellow Hawk, a leader known for his resistance to U.S. encroachments on Lakota lands. Though precise dates for his birth and death remain elusive, he was most active in the mid-19th century.

Among documented records, a notable figure is Yellow Hawk, who participated in the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868. This treaty was crucial as it guaranteed the Lakota Sioux ownership of the Black Hills, an area sacred to them.

In historical texts, another significant individual was John Yellow Hawk, born in the 1870s. He later became a prominent member of the Sioux tribe and was featured in records from the Pine Ridge Reservation, where he served as a mediator in disputes and community matters until his death in the early 20th century.

Further records mention Mary Yellow Hawk, born in 1898, who was an important female figure known for her traditional beadwork art and her role in preserving Lakota cultural practices. She continued her work until her death in 1954, leaving a lasting legacy within the community.

In more recent history, yet still within a historical context, was Joe Yellow Hawk, born in 1922. He served valiantly during World War II and, upon returning, became an advocate for Native American veterans' rights. His efforts were recognized up until his passing in 1986.

The surname Yellowhawk holds a rich cultural tapestry within the Lakota Sioux tribe, reflecting its deep connection to nature, heritage, and historical events. These notable figures across various periods illustrate the lasting impact and presence of the name within Native American history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yellowhawk

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

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

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

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