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

Yetzer, 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 Yetzer surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yetzer in America

Yetzer is the 82044th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yetzer surname appeared 230 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 Yetzer.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yetzer 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 Yetzer

The surname Yetzer is believed to have its origins in Central Europe, particularly within the German-speaking regions. This surname likely emerged during the medieval period, around the 12th to 14th centuries, a time when surnames started becoming hereditary in many parts of Europe. Yetzer is derived from the Middle High German word "jetzer," which is related to the occupation of a fisherman or someone who makes nets.

The name Yetzer appears in various historical documents and church records from the Middle Ages, particularly in the regions that are now parts of Germany and Switzerland. One of the earliest recorded instances of this surname is found in a 14th-century tax register from the city of Zurich, where a Johann Yetzer is listed as a taxpayer. This document suggests the name's presence in Swiss territories during the late Middle Ages.

During the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, the Yetzer surname is documented in several church records as families moved and changed religious affiliations. One notable figure is Heinrich Yetzer, a reformer born in 1503 and died in 1578, who was known for his involvement in the religious transformations occurring in Basel, Switzerland.

The Yetzer surname also appears in the early 17th century in the records of the Palatinate region of Germany, an area known for its diverse and often persecuted religious communities. Records from this period list a Peter Yetzer, baptised in 1612, who later became known for his writings on Anabaptist theology. His works contributed to the religious discourse of the time, marking the Yetzer name in historical theologic literature.

In the 18th century, the Yetzer family name can be found in records of immigration to the American colonies. Michael Yetzer, born in 1734, was one such individual who emigrated to Pennsylvania, contributing to the spread of the name outside Europe. His family established roots in the New World, where the name continued to be passed down through generations.

Another notable individual bearing the Yetzer surname was Frederick Yetzer, an influential figure in early American history, born in 1765. He played a significant role in the development of local communities in Pennsylvania and was known for his involvement in the agricultural advancements of the region. His contributions to farming techniques were well-regarded and documented in local histories.

The surname Yetzer, with its origins rooted in medieval Europe, has traversed centuries and continents. Its bearers have played roles in religious, cultural, and social advancements across various periods, reflecting a rich historical tapestry.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yetzer

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

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

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

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