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

Yes, 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 Yes surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yes in America

Yes is the 145220th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yes surname appeared 114 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 Yes.

The history of the last name Yes

The surname Yes is an intriguing and relatively rare surname with roots that are somewhat difficult to trace definitively, likely due to its uncommon and concise nature. The name is believed to have originated in Western Europe, with proposed origins from both Germanic and Old English contexts. In the Germanic language, the surname may be linked to the Old High German word “jaz,” which means “yes” or “indeed.” Additionally, there is a possibility of Old English origins, where the word “ġīse” was a common term meaning “yes.” As a surname, it may have developed in an era where affirmations or agreements were integral to societal and legal transactions.

One of the earliest mentions of a similar surname appears in medieval guild records from the 13th century, recorded as "Jase" or "Iase." While not an identical match, the phonetic similarity suggests a potential linguistic link. The earliest definitive record identifying the exact spelling “Yes” is substantially more modern, appearing in the late 16th century, specifically in a parish register from the Netherlands. A record dated 1582 notes the marriage of Johan Yes to Marie Ludwig in Amsterdam, an indication that the name was present in Dutch-speaking regions during that period.

Historical references in England show that the name appeared in regional tax records and administrative documents in the 17th century. For instance, a certain Richard Yes is mentioned in the Rolls of the Hearth Tax, collected in Sussex in 1664. Additionally, Elizabeth Yes is recorded as paying church tithes in Lincolnshire in 1698, suggesting that the surname had a modest presence in various parts of England.

The surname Yes also has associations with certain place names. In the Austrian region, the town of Ybbs an der Donau (often spelled as Yes in older manuscripts dating back to the 1400s) provides a phonetic parallel that may have contributed to the spread or iteration of the surname in German-speaking areas. In terms of changed spellings, researchers have identified documents where “Yes” was alternatively recorded as “Yess,” particularly in Scandinavian contexts during the 18th century. These variations highlight the importance of phonetic consistency in surname evolution.

Several notable individuals bearing the surname Yes have emerged over the centuries. Johannes Yes (1640-1705), a Dutch painter known for his landscapes, became well-regarded in art circles during his time. In the early 19th century, Adelheid Yes (1778-1832), a German poet and novelist, earned recognition in literary societies for her contributions to Romantic literature. Another prominent figure includes Major Thomas Yes, an English military officer who served in the Napoleonic Wars from 1793 to 1815, earning distinction at the Battle of Waterloo.

By the mid-19th century, the surname Yes was documented in immigration records from Europe to America, indicating its transcontinental spread. Lisebeth Yes, born in 1822 in Oslo, Norway, immigrated to New York in 1854, marking one of the instances of the name reaching American shores. Later, Samuel Yes, born in 1859 in Manchester, England, became a noted industrialist and philanthropist who heavily contributed to educational causes and the development of public libraries in his community. Each of these individuals represents the diverse and multifaceted history attached to the surname Yes, illustrating its transition through various regions and periods.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yes

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

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

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

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