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

Yerra, 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 Yerra surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yerra in America

Yerra is the 115034th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yerra surname appeared 152 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 Yerra.

The history of the last name Yerra

The surname Yerra is believed to have its origins in India, particularly from the regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The earliest mentions of the surname can be traced back to the medieval period in South India, around the 12th to 13th centuries. During this time, the name began to appear in various inscriptions and local records tied to land ownership, agriculture, and trade.

Yerra derives from the Telugu word "Yerra," which means "red." This term was often used descriptively to refer to individuals with a reddish complexion or hair, or to someone who lived in a region known for its red soil. Such descriptive surnames were common practice in the Telugu-speaking regions, as they helped identify individuals within larger societal groups.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the surname Yerra can be found in the mid-13th century Pithapuram inscriptions, where a certain Yerra Raghava is noted as a prominent landowner and philanthropist. Yerra Raghava, who lived circa 1250-1300, significantly contributed to the construction of local temples and the promotion of education in his locality.

Another notable historical figure is Yerra Hariram, a 15th-century poet who contributed extensively to Telugu literature. His works, which include devotional songs and lyrical poetry, were instrumental in the spread of Bhakti movement ideologies in Southern India. Yerra Hariram's literary endeavors highlight the cultural richness associated with the surname.

In the 17th century, the name Yerra was linked to Yerra Venkateswara, a notable warrior and chieftain under the Vijayanagara Empire. Yerra Venkateswara, born in the early 1600s and active till his death around 1670, played a crucial role in the defense of the empire's territories against external invasions. His contributions are commemorated in various local histories and ballads.

Yerra Narayana, a prominent freedom fighter during the Indian independence movement, adds another distinguished page to the history of the surname. Born in 1885 and active into the late 1940s, Yerra Narayana was known for his leadership in organizing protests and advocating for civil rights against British colonial rule. His dedication was instrumental in the local uprisings in Andhra Pradesh and inspired future generations in the struggle for Indian independence.

Lastly, Yerra Srilatha, a notable social reformer from the early 20th century, represents the transformative power associated with the surname. Born in 1902, Yerra Srilatha was a pioneering figure in advocating for women's rights and educational opportunities in rural Andhra Pradesh. Her tireless efforts in setting up schools and vocational training centers left an indelible mark on the social landscape.

The surname Yerra, with its roots deeply embedded in Indian culture and history, remains a testament to the diverse contributions and legacy of those who bore the name over centuries. These individuals, through their various roles as poets, warriors, reformers, and freedom fighters, have significantly shaped their communities and left lasting imprints on history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yerra

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

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

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

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