Surname Yarborough - Meaning and Origin

Yarborough: What does the surname Yarborough mean?

The last name Yarborough is of English origin, meaning someone who came from the area of Askew in East Yorkshire. The first recorded instance of the name appeared in the 1379 Yorkshire subsidy rolls, and the name has since become fairly widespread.

The surname Yarborough is predominantly found in Northern England, especially around Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland. Occasionally, the name has been altered in spelling to something similar, possibly contributing to its latitude.

The geographic distribution of the name Yarborough is important as a record of its origin as an English surname. Someone who has the surname Yarborough is likely to be related to someone who originally resided in the same area. The name is still associated with the region, so it’s likely that there are many people who trace their roots back to the same area.

Yarborough is a name that is steeped in English history, with ancient connections to the area of East Yorkshire. It carries a tradition and a sense of belonging and provides a hint into a person’s roots, providing them with a sense of identity and a link to their ancestry.

Yarborough: Where does the name Yarborough come from?

The last name Yarborough is most commonly found in the southeastern United States, particularly in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The largest concentrations are in Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina. In the earliest records, people with this last name were found primarily in western Kentucky and East Tennessee.

The origin of the last name Yarborough is uncertain but it is believed to be of British descent. It is generally thought to be derived from the old English word "Eareburh," which referenced a fortified hill. The name is also found in several other cultures, including German, French, and Chinese, but it appears in the United States most often with English roots.

This last name also appeared in records of several notable figures in American history. Jonathan Yarborough was one of the first signers of the Mecklenburg County Declaration of Independence in North Carolina. Landon Yarborough was a Confederate general in the American Civil War. William Yarborough was an American Cavalry officer who fought in the Mexican War.

Today, the last name Yarborough can also be seen in the list of graduates from various colleges and universities. It is a common name in many families, as well as in organizations and businesses, such as churches, service clubs, and even in politics.

Variations of the surname Yarborough

The surname Yarborough is derived from the Old English words 'gearo' meaning 'spear' and 'burg' meaning fort, together literally meaning "fortified spear". It is a locational surname derived from towns in Lincolnshire and Norfolk in England.

The variations on burnames derived from the same root include Yarbourough, Yarboro, Yarbourgh, Yarborow, Yarbrough and Yarrow. These spellings are also used internationally in various forms, making the same surname in Canada, United States and Scotland as well.

The surname Yarborough is also sometimes associated with the surnames Yarbray, Yarbrell and Yarbery. These variations are more often found in Scotland and Ireland but may originate from other countries.

Surnames derived from "Yarborough" also include Yarborogh, Yarburough, Yarborow, Yarrow,Yearborough, Yerborough and Yorborough. These variations are also found outside the United Kingdom in countries such as Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Other variations of the same name can include Yarby, Yarbot, Yarman, Yarbo, Yerby and Yerbrough. These surname variations are more prevalent in the United States.

These changes in name spelling are caused by the process of Anglicizing, when foreign names similar to "Yarborough" are transformed into a form closer to English and British spelling. The various surname variations are found in areas all over the world and are a testament to the broad reach of the original original surname.

Famous people with the name Yarborough

• Ned Yarborough: American singer and songwriter
• Parnell Yarborough: American folklorist, storyteller, recording artist, actor, and producer
• Ben Yarborough: Australian actor, director, writer, and producer
• Ron Yarborough: American professional golfer
• Jessie Yarborough: former North Carolina state representative
• Randy Yarborough: former professional American football player
• Donna Jean Yarborough: former female professional American football player
• Earl Yarborough: MLB baseball player in the 1950s
• Rhea Yarborough: professional boxer
• Dean Yarborough: American football player

Other surnames

YarboroYarborow