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

Yerges, 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 Yerges surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yerges in America

Yerges is the 81772nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yerges surname appeared 231 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 Yerges.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yerges 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 Yerges

The surname Yerges has its origins in Germany, with roots traceable to the medieval period. The name likely derives from the Old High German word "ger" meaning spear, combined with a common suffix used in surnames. It suggests a possible early association with a warrior or someone skilled in spear making or usage. The name originally appeared in areas such as Bavaria and Rhine-Westphalia, regions known for their early medieval settlements and historical significance.

One of the earliest mentions of a similar surname can be found in the 14th century. Variations such as "Jerg" and "Jergens" were documented in parish records and legal documents during the late Middle Ages. For example, a notable record from 1379 includes a Johann Jerg, a citizen of Cologne who was involved in local trade. These early references are crucial in understanding the etymological evolution of Yerges.

The surname appears in several historical manuscripts and legal documents throughout the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1534, a Hans Jergessen is recorded in the municipal rolls of Nuremberg, indicating the spread of the family name to different parts of Germany. Another significant record pertains to a Matthias Yerges, documented as a landowner in Bavaria during the late 16th century. These records highlight the geographical dispersion and social roles of individuals bearing the Yerges surname.

By the 17th century, the name Yerges had established itself in various regions across Germany. An interesting account from 1621 references a Peter Yerges, who served as a member of the military council in the Free City of Augsburg. He was known for his strategic acumen and played a pivotal role during the Thirty Years' War. His contributions are noted in military archives and local history books.

Famous individuals with the surname include Heinrich Yerges, born in 1782, who was a renowned figure in the field of natural sciences. He made significant contributions to the early study of botany and published several influential works throughout his lifetime, corresponding with scholars across Europe. Another prominent person is Wilhelm Yerges, born in 1845, a celebrated composer and musician whose works were performed in the major concert halls of his time.

In the 19th century, Johan Christian Yerges, born in 1829, emerged as a notable political figure advocating for social reforms. His efforts in the parliament led to several progressive changes in labor laws and education systems in his region. The surname continued to be associated with intellectual and cultural achievements as seen with Clara Yerges, born in 1873, a pioneering female author and advocate for women's rights.

The surname Yerges, deeply rooted in German history, reflects a rich tapestry of cultural and social evolution, with significant contributions spanning military, scientific, political, and artistic fields. This surname's journey from medieval records to notable historical figures demonstrates its enduring legacy.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yerges

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

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

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

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