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

Yonkey, 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 Yonkey surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yonkey in America

Yonkey is the 150452nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yonkey surname appeared 109 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 Yonkey.

The history of the last name Yonkey

The surname Yonkey appears to have its origins in Northern Europe, specifically the regions of Germany and the Netherlands. Emerging in the late medieval period, the name is thought to derive from the Middle Dutch word "jonkheer," which was a title used for young noblemen or squires. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name varied due to regional dialects and the evolution of language.

In historical records, variations of Yonkey can be seen in several manuscripts and legal documents from the late 16th and early 17th centuries. For example, a document from 1594 mentions a Johan Jonkheer in the Netherlands. Subsequently, pilgrims and settlers who migrated to the New World brought this surname with them, adapting it to local dialects and spellings.

One of the earliest known instances of Yonkey in America can be traced back to the early 18th century. In 1725, the name appears in the land records of Pennsylvania, where Jacob Yonkey, an early settler of Dutch descent, is listed. Jacob Yonkey's descendants played a significant role in the local community, establishing farms and contributing to the rural economy of the area.

Another notable figure bearing the surname was Wilhelm Yonkey, born in 1745 in what is today Germany. He was an educator and theologian who published several works on Christian philosophy. By the time of his death in 1810, Yonkey had gained a reputation for his writing and teachings, influencing many in European academic circles.

In the United States, Daniel Yonkey, born in 1820, emerged as a significant personality during the 19th century. He served as a lieutenant in the Union Army during the Civil War, demonstrating bravery and leadership in several key battles. Post-war, Daniel became an influential figure in Ohio's political landscape, advocating for veterans' rights and contributing to the state's development.

In more modern history, Martha Yonkey (1863-1929) became a prominent suffragist and social reformer. Living in New York City, she worked alongside notable leaders of the Women's Suffrage Movement, passionately advocating for women's voting rights and social equality. Martha's efforts helped to bring about substantial changes in the early 20th century.

Another individual of note is Michael Yonkey, born in 1885 in Iowa. As a first-generation American of Dutch-German descent, Michael made significant contributions to agricultural science. He authored numerous papers on farming techniques and soil conservation, which earned him recognition as an expert in his field. He continued his work until his death in 1957, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and progress in American agriculture.

Throughout its history, the surname Yonkey has been borne by individuals who have left a mark in various professional and social endeavors, reflecting the diverse contributions of those who carried this distinctive name.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yonkey

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

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 Yonkey 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.

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

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

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