Surname Yarbarough - Meaning and Origin

Yarbarough: What does the surname Yarbarough mean?

The last name Yarbarough is an English and Irish surname that derives from the name Yarborough. It is believed to have first originated from the town of Yarborough, which is in East Riding of Yorkshire in England. The town is on the Humber River and derives its name from the Old English words "eorðburh", which mean earthwork or earth fortress.

The surname Yarborough or Yarbarough is believed to have been derived from one of the local landowners or occupiers in the area. It was likely first used as a personal name by someone who lived there, before eventually becoming an inherited surname. It is believed that the surname emerged and spread to England during the Middle Ages as the Anglo-Saxon invasion of the British Isles occurred.

Over time, the surname has been adopted by people throughout the English-speaking world, particularly in Ireland and the United States. Today, Yarbarough is a relatively uncommon surname, but its presence can still be seen throughout Europe.

In many ways, the history of the surname Yarborough or Yarbarough is reflective of the history of the British Isles. It began with the ancient Anglo-Saxon settlements and has spread across the world as families have relocated and taken the surname with them. Through the years, the meaning of the surname has remained consistent, symbolic of its origins in the town of Yarborough.

Yarbarough: Where does the name Yarbarough come from?

The last name Yarborough is believed to have originated from a variety of sources. According to some experts, the name may have been derived from the Old Norse name Erbger, meaning "strong spear". Others believe it could have come from an English occupational name, for someone who worked as a gardener.

The origin of the name has caused much dispute and confusion throughout the centuries. Despite this, it is usually accepted that the name has some connections to the European regions of England, France, and Germany.

Today, the name Yarborough can still be found in England and in different parts of the United States. In the US, the name is more prevalent in the South, where it is documented in several states including Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.

In England, the name Yarborough is most common in the counties of Suffolk and Lincolnshire. The name is also found in many other parts of the world, including Caribbean countries like Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

Overall, Yarborough is a rare name, but its prevalence varies across different countries and regions. Despite its scarcity, anyone with the proud last name of Yarborough can be sure of a long and unique lineage.

Variations of the surname Yarbarough

Yarborough (or Yarboro) is an interesting surname, as it is thought to have multiple origins. It could be the anglicized version of the surname Yorke, which was derived from the Old English elements 'georo' meaning spear and 'cetel' meaning hewer of wood, thus meaning woodworker with a spear. Alternatively, it could be of Spanish or French origins, derived from the personal name 'Jorge'.

The variant spellings of the surname are Yarbrough, Yarbor, Yarborough, Yarborow, Yarborowe, Yarbrow, Yarbro, Yarbur, Yarburrow, Yarbry, Yarburough, Yarbrugh and Yerburgh. Additionally, the possible surnames of the same origin are Jorke, Yorke and Georges.

It is thought that the surname is most prevalent in the United States, where it was first recorded in the mid-17th century. It is likely that immigrants from varying European ancestry and nationalities arrived in America, each bringing their unique surnames with them. Thus, the same surname may have slightly different spellings or interpretations across different countries, over time.

Yarborough is an established name today, associated with many famous families and famous individuals, including the American singer/songwriter John Prine, the former professional basketball player Stephen Yarborough, and the 18th century English aristocrat William Yarborough.

Famous people with the name Yarbarough

• Johnny Yarborough: amateur stand-up comic from Texas
• Teressa Yarborough: Olympic swimmer and 17-time NCAA record holder
• Jack Yarborough: American politician and member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
• Don Yarbarough: former American Football running back and coach
• Joe Yarbarough: NFL wide receiver and Hall of Fame inductee
• Mayte Yarbarough: actress, singer and dance artist
• Daisy Yarbarough: former professional basketball player
• Rodger Yarbarough: jazz musician and composer
• Tony Yarbarough: race car driver
• Demond Yarbarough: rapper and producer from Texas

Other surnames

Yarbaro