Surname Yarber - Meaning and Origin
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Yarber: What does the surname Yarber mean?
The last name Yarber is of English origin, and it is derived from the Middle English word 'yarber', meaning 'barber'. The occupation of barber was quite a common one during medieval times in Britain, and those who held the title of yarber were typically professional barbers who specialized in a variety of services such as shaving, cutting hair, performing bloodletting, manicures, and other grooming duties.
In addition to these duties, professional yarbers could also act as surgeons, dentists, and even midwives. The title of yarber was also used to describe a person who practiced medicine, and many yarbers served as physicians in small towns as well as rural areas. As their skills became more highly sought after, many yarbers developed alliances with monasteries and local nobility, which granted them greater social and economic recognition.
Although the precise origin of the last name Yarber is uncertain, it is likely that it is derived from an ancestor who was a professional barber or someone whose skills as a physician or other practitioner of medical care was well-respected. Additionally, the name may be derived from an area in England where barbers were commonly found (such as a village, borough, or shire).
Today, the last name Yarber is most commonly found in countries of the British Isles, as well as in the United States and Canada. Many Yarbers have entered various professions, including medicine, engineering, mining, and the military, but some people with the last name keep the tradition of their barber ancestors alive by practicing barbering today.
Order DNA origin analysisYarber: Where does the name Yarber come from?
The last name Yarber is most commonly found in the southern United States, particularly Tennessee and Mississippi. It is also prominent in parts of Virginia, Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas. In recent years, the name has been increasingly prevalent in other parts of the country, and in some international locations.
The Yarber surname originated in England, likely being a variation of "Yeoman," meaning one who tilled the soil. From there, individuals bearing the name migrated to the United States in the 17th and 18th centuries. Early Yarber arrivals were typically merchants, soldiers, and settlers. They were among the first Englishmen to settle and establish towns in the South and Texas.
Today, the last name Yarber is still going strong in many places in the US. According to one source, it ranks highly in terms of "socio-geographic" characteristics, like vital events, migration, settlement, and state-level distributions. It is also a popular surname among some Native American tribes.
The Yarber name has contributed to many aspects of Southern culture and identity, making it an integral part of its historical fabric. While a large majority of those bearing the name are in the southern United States, it also has a solid presence in other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Yarber
Yarber is an English occupational surname, indicating that the family likely trace their heritage back to England. It is derived from the Old English word "eorbeorht," meaning bright or famous. The variants, spellings and surnames that have the same root as Yarber include Yarbrough, Yarberry, Yerby, and Yerbey. Yarbrough began as an alternate spelling of Yarber, and was first found in Herefordshire, England in the 13th century. Yarberry is not a common surname, but is a spelling variation of Yarber and is found mainly in the United States. Yerby is a less common variation of Yarber and was first recorded in County Durham in the 13th century. Yerbey is also found in the United States and is the most recent variant of Yarber, appearing in the mid 19th century. Though the variants and spellings of Yarber are numerous, their root is the same, and links back to a shared heritage in the UK.
Famous people with the name Yarber
- Austin Yarber: a professional golfer
- Cole Yarber: a professional football coach
- Chris Yarber: a professional BMX rider
- Elliott Yarber: a professional basketball player
- Hilary Yarber: a singer-songwriter
- Jeremiah Yarber: a professional baseball player
- Jon Yarber: a professional wrestler
- Johnny Yarber: a professional powerlifter
- Lecrae Yarber: a gospel rapper
- Lorne Yarber: an actor and musical theater performer