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

Yorn, 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 Yorn surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yorn in America

Yorn is the 91625th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yorn surname appeared 201 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 Yorn.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yorn 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 Yorn

The surname Yorn is of ancient origin, believed to have its roots in the Scandinavian region, specifically Denmark and parts of Northern Germany. Historical records suggest that the name emerged in the early medieval period, around the 9th to 10th centuries. The name likely derives from the Old Norse word "Jörn," meaning wild boar. This might have been used as a nickname for someone known for their strength or fierceness.

In the early records, variations of the surname Yorn can be found, including Jorn and Jarn, reflecting the different phonetic spellings used in manuscripts of the time. One of the earliest references to this surname appears in a Danish census from the year 1300, mentioning a farmer named Bjorn Yornsson in the region of Jutland. This indicates that the name was used as a patronymic, meaning "son of Yorn."

By the 14th century, the name had spread to other parts of the Scandinavian peninsula and Northern Germany. A record from 1375 lists a merchant named Olaf Yorn in the Lübeck city archives, indicating the expansion of the surname into the Hanseatic League’s trade areas. This period saw an increase in the mobility of families due to trade and warfare, contributing to the dispersion of the name.

In historical texts, the surname appears repeatedly. One notable figure is Knut Yorn, born in 1438 and died in 1505, a prominent Danish knight and statesman who served under King Hans of Denmark. His contributions to the political landscape of Denmark during his time are well-documented in several chronicles.

Another significant reference is found in the late 1500s with Astrid Yorn, who was born in 1550 and died in 1603. She was recognized for her work as a herbalist and healer in the rural areas of Schleswig, gaining a reputation that resulted in her being mentioned in various medical manuscripts of the time.

In the 17th century, the surname Yorn appears in ecclesiastical records in Norway. Erasmus Yorn, born in 1615 and died in 1678, was a Lutheran pastor known for his extensive writings on theology and his role in the religious debates of the period. His collected sermons are preserved in multiple church archives.

The name also makes an appearance in 18th-century naval records, where Captain Lars Yorn, born in 1720 and died in 1786, served in the Danish-Norwegian navy. He is noted for his participation in several key naval battles during the Great Northern War and his personal letters provide insights into the life of naval officers during that era.

In a review of historical records, the surname Yorn has maintained its presence through various notable individuals. Axel Yorn, a composer born in 1805 and died in 1873, contributed to the folk music traditions in Denmark. His works remain influential in Scandinavian classical music studies.

Overall, the surname Yorn has a rich historical lineage, rooted in the Scandinavian cultural and historical context. The name's evolution and the notable individuals associated with it provide a fascinating glimpse into the heritage and societal contributions of those who bore the surname.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yorn

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

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

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

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