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

Yoakam, 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 Yoakam surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yoakam in America

Yoakam is the 48160th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yoakam surname appeared 439 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 Yoakam.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yoakam 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 Yoakam

The surname Yoakam has its roots deeply entrenched in the history of England. Tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon period, this surname carries the essence of the pastoral and agricultural landscapes of medieval England. The name is believed to have originated from the Old English word geoc which means "yoke," a device used to harness oxen together. This etymological origin suggests that the name may have been occupational, referring to someone who made or used yokes.

The earliest occurrences of the surname Yoakam, or similar spellings, can be tracked in medieval English records. Variations such as Yocum, Yokum, and Yokam often appeared in legal documents and parish registers. Historical references to the name found in ancient manuscripts include tax rolls and land grants, but specific mentions are rare before the late 16th and early 17th centuries due to the limited scope of record-keeping during those times.

One of the earliest recorded instances of a person bearing this surname is that of John Yocum, who was noted in English records around 1580. The name appears periodically in various documents, often linked to rural agricultural communities, hinting at their occupation and lifestyle. Another notable individual is William Yoakam, recorded in 1625 in Norfolk County, whose activities were documented in local deed records.

As time progressed, migrations and social changes led to the spread of the surname Yoakam beyond England. Joseph Yoakam, born in 1681, was one such individual who took his family to the American colonies, contributing to the early settler communities. His descendants played significant roles in the development of colonial towns, often being involved in farming and local governance.

Among the more prominent individuals bearing the surname, Jonathan Yoakam, born in 1735, stands out. He was known for his contributions during the American Revolutionary War, serving as a local militia leader. His leadership and bravery were well-documented in the annals of American history.

Phineas Yoakam, born in 1810, became notable during the westward expansion of the United States. Engaging in frontier life, he was among the pioneers who ventured into the unexplored territories, aiding in the development and settlement of new communities. His legacy includes several towns in the midwestern United States established with his guidance.

In summary, the surname Yoakam has a rich historical narrative tracing back to medieval England with significant transformations over centuries. From its agricultural origins to prominent figures in American history, the name embodies a journey of resilience and adaptation. Through the contributions of individuals such as John, William, Joseph, Jonathan, and Phineas Yoakam, the surname has been indelibly etched into the historical records of both England and the United States.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yoakam

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

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

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

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