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

Yokeley, 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 Yokeley surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yokeley in America

Yokeley is the 76029th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yokeley surname appeared 253 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 Yokeley.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yokeley 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 Yokeley

The surname Yokeley is believed to have its origins in England, with historical ties dating back to the medieval period. The name is predominantly associated with the region of Yorkshire in Northern England. It is thought to be derived from a place name, particularly linked with locations that bear similar names like Yokefleet or Yokeley Green, suggesting a geographical connection.

The root of the surname Yokeley is likely linked to old English terms. The prefix "Yoke" may be derived from the Old English word "geoc," which means yoke, a device used for harnessing animals. The suffix "ley" comes from the Old English word "leah," which translates to a clearing or meadow. Thus, Yokeley could be interpreted as "clearing where yokes are made or used," hinting at an agricultural background.

One notable historical reference to the name Yokeley can be found in the medieval tax records, where a Richard de Yokeley was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire in the year 1379. This indicates that the name was in use and recognized by official documents as early as the 14th century, establishing its longstanding presence in the region.

Among the earliest recorded examples, John de Yokely was another significant person bearing the surname, listed in the Poll Tax records of 1381. This further underscores the surname's establishment during the Middle Ages. Variations in spellings, such as Yockley or Yokley, were also documented in different historical records, reflecting the inconsistent orthography of the period.

One prominent individual with the surname from the 17th century is Jonathan Yokeley, born in 1611 and passed away in 1675. He was known as an early settler in the American colonies, indicating the spread of the surname beyond England during the era of exploration and colonization.

John Yokeley, born in 1730 and died in 1798, was a noted figure during the 18th century. He played a significant role in local governance in Yorkshire, evidencing the surname's continued local prominence and community involvement.

Another mentionable figure includes Thomas Yokeley, born in 1802 and deceased in 1865. He was a renowned agriculturalist in Yorkshire during the 19th century, contributing to advancements in farming techniques of the time.

Sarah Yokeley, born in 1825 and passed away in 1890, was noted for her contributions to local education reforms in Northern England. Her work highlighted the evolving societal roles and the increasing participation of women in public life during the Victorian era.

Throughout history, the surname Yokeley has maintained a distinctive presence, reflecting its geographical and occupational roots. The historical figures associated with the name demonstrate its rich legacy spanning from medieval England to the modern era, marking its enduring relevance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yokeley

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

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

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

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