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

Yett, 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 Yett surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yett in America

Yett is the 51941st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yett surname appeared 400 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 Yett.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yett 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 Yett

The surname Yett has its origins in Scotland, with its roots traceable back to the early medieval period. The name is derived from the Old English word "geat" or the Old Norse "gat," both meaning "gate." These words likely referred to someone who lived near a gate or was a gatekeeper. The surname has been historically connected to the Lowlands of Scotland, particularly in Lanarkshire and surrounding areas.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Yett appears in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland from the 14th century. In these records, a John Yett is mentioned as being fined for various minor offenses in 1379. The name has also been found in numerous surviving parish registers and other legal documents from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The spelling of the surname Yett has varied over the years, with historical documents showing several variations including Yet, Yate, and Yeat. These variations are not uncommon, as standardized spelling was not a norm in medieval and early modern Scotland. In some cases, the name was even spelled as Yettie or Yetts in older manuscripts.

In the 15th century, Robert Yett of Lanarkshire, born around 1430, became a prominent figure. Serving as a local magistrate, Robert played a significant role in the administration of his locality. His contributions are well-documented in local histories and legal records, demonstrating the early establishment of the Yett family in Scottish society.

Margaret Yett, born in 1575 and died in 1620, was another notable bearer of the surname. She lived during a turbulent time in Scottish history and was known for her involvement in charitable work, particularly in the Lanarkshire area. Her efforts are mentioned in various ecclesiastical records of the period, highlighting her contributions to local welfare.

William Yett, born in 1634, emigrated to North America during the wave of Scottish migration in the 17th century. Settling in Virginia, he became a prosperous landowner and his descendants played notable roles in early American colonial society. His life and achievements are documented in the colonial records, including land grants and church records.

James Yett, born in 1758 and died in 1823, was a renowned Scottish antiquarian and historian. His works on Scottish local history and genealogy were highly regarded and are still referenced by scholars today. James's meticulous research contributed significantly to the understanding of the surname Yett and its origins, and his publications are a valuable resource.

Mary Yett, born in 1812 and died in 1897, was a distinguished educator and campaigner for women's education in Scotland. Her advocacy and contributions were pioneering during her time, and she received recognition from various educational institutions for her efforts. Mary’s work solidified the Yett surname’s association with intellectual and social advancement.

The surname Yett, with its rich history and notable bearers, reflects the evolving landscape of Scottish society over the centuries. From medieval roots through to significant contributions in various fields, the name encapsulates a diverse and multi-faceted heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yett

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

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

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

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