Yonkey
A variant spelling of the English surname "Young" indicating youth or being a younger son.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 137 Americans carry the last name Yonkey. That puts it at #150,452 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.04 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 2,501,856 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Yonkey surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
137
1 in 2,501,856
Census rank
#150,452
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
109
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 109 bearers of the surname Yonkey in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 150452nd position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Yonkey, the largest self-reported group is White at 87.2%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (11.9%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of 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.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Yonkey
Among Census respondents with the surname Yonkey, the largest self-reported group is White at 87.2%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (11.9%).
The bar chart below shows how Yonkey bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Yonkey surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White87.2%
- Hispanic or Latino11.9%
- Unknown or suppressed0.9%
FAQ
Yonkey surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Yonkey?
The surname Yonkey holds position #150,452 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 137 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Yonkey surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Yonkey, the largest self-reported group is White at 87.2%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (11.9%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.