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

Yerena, 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 Yerena surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yerena in America

Yerena is the 26772nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yerena surname appeared 909 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 Yerena.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yerena 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 Yerena

The surname Yerena traces its origins to Spain, an ancient and historically rich country known for its diverse cultural influences. The name is believed to have originated during the medieval period, around the 12th century, in regions such as Castile and León. It is derived from the Spanish word "yerba," meaning grass or herb, signifying someone who lived near grassy fields or meadows, or perhaps someone who worked with herbs.

In historical records, one of the earliest mentions of the surname Yerena appears in Castilian documents from the early 14th century. This can be found in the manuscripts of the nobility, where variations such as Yerena and Hierena were documented. The name also shows connections to rural and agricultural regions, hinting at the occupation or location of its bearers.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname is Don Fernando Yerena, a knight who lived around 1350. He served under King Pedro of Castile and was noted for his valor in the Battles of Aljubarrota. Historical documents of the time, including royal records and land grants, frequently mention the Yerena family as landowners and knights.

By the 16th century, the name had spread to various parts of Spain, including Navarre and Aragón, regions well-documented for their historical archives. One notable figure from this period was Isabel de Yerena, born in 1542, who was known for her contributions to herbal medicine, a likely connection to the etymological roots of the surname.

Another prominent individual bearing the surname was Juan Andres Yerena, born in 1620 in the region of La Rioja. He was a renowned agriculturalist whose work in vineyard cultivation significantly contributed to the local wine industry. His detailed records on viticulture are preserved in several Spanish agricultural treatises.

The migration of the name Yerena can also be traced through colonial expansion, particularly into the Americas during the late 17th century. Diego Yerena, born in 1675, was among the first wave of Spanish settlers in the New World. His descendants played significant roles in the establishment of towns and agricultural communities in present-day Mexico.

In literature, the name Yerena appears in the works of 18th-century Spanish novelist Maria Teresa de Yerena, born in 1710. Her narratives often depicted the life and struggles of rural Spain, reflecting her own family's background and experiences. Her novels provide valuable insights into the socio-economic conditions and the cultural landscape of her times.

The surname Yerena continues to be an emblem of historical significance, connecting modern bearers to a rich and varied cultural heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yerena

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

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

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

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