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

Yinger, 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 Yinger surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yinger in America

Yinger is the 24174th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yinger surname appeared 1,040 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 Yinger.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yinger 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 Yinger

The surname Yinger originates from Germany, with its earliest roots tracing back to the medieval period. The name likely stemmed from the regions of Baden-Württemberg or Rhineland-Palatinate, both areas rich in history and known for their early Germanic settlements. The name appears to have derived from an occupation or a characteristic trait of an ancestor, as many surnames of that time did.

In the early Germanic context, the surname Yinger could be related to the Old High German word "jung" or "junger," which means "young" or "younger." This suggests that Yinger may have originally indicated a younger member of a family or someone who held a junior position in a guild or occupation. Variants of the surname, such as Jünger or Genger, have been found in historical documents dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries.

One of the earliest references to a similar name appears in a manuscript from 1292, in which a Heinrich Jünger is mentioned as a resident of Freiburg. The name's spelling and pronunciation have evolved over time, adapting to different dialects and regions. This early appearance provides a foundation for the surname's spread and establishment in various parts of Germany.

An important figure bearing this surname is Johann Christopher Yinger, born in 1674, who migrated to the American colonies around 1700. His journey is well-documented as part of the broader wave of German migration to the New World, seeking better economic opportunities and religious freedom. Johann settled in Pennsylvania, where the name Yinger began to take root in American soil.

Another notable Yinger is Richard Yinger, born in 1845, who played a significant role during the post-Civil War reconstruction era in the United States. He was instrumental in building educational institutions and community centers in the Midwest, showcasing the family's continued influence and contributions to society.

Margarethe Yinger, born in 1752, left a significant mark in history through her extensive diaries. These diaries provided detailed accounts of daily life and hardships during the late 18th century in Germany, offering valuable insights into the social and economic conditions of the time. Her writings are preserved in the local archives of Heidelberg, serving as a treasured resource for historians.

In the 19th century, Heinrich Yinger, born in 1821, became a prominent composer and conductor in the Bavarian region. His musical compositions were celebrated for their intricate melodies and cultural depth, reflecting the rich heritage of German folk music. Heinrich's works are still performed today, showcasing the enduring legacy of the Yinger surname in the arts.

Eleanor Yinger, born in 1893, was a pioneering figure in early 20th-century psychology. She conducted groundbreaking research on child development and cognitive processes, which had a profound impact on educational practices. Her contributions to the field earned her a distinguished place among the leading psychologists of her time, illustrating the diverse achievements of individuals with the Yinger surname.

Overall, the surname Yinger has a rich history rooted in medieval Germany, with notable individuals leaving their mark in various fields, from migration and community building to music and psychology. The name's evolution and spread across continents reflect the dynamic and enduring legacy of the Yinger family.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yinger

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

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

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

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