Surname Yarbourgh - Meaning and Origin
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Yarbourgh: What does the surname Yarbourgh mean?
The last name Yarbourgh has its origins in the United Kingdom, primarily in the North East of England. It derives from the Old English 'Earburg', which can be translated into modern English as 'Fortification on a hilltop', and likely referred to an area of land which was fortified with either a castle or a manor house.
As such, the name could be said to reflect an area of land which was successfully defended in times of need, and could also be interpreted as a sign of gaining and maintaining power. Being in control of something deemed strategically worthwhile or important implies a level of social or political position, which is further reflected in the name Yarbourgh.
Yarbourgh is also seen to signify resilience and strength, and acts as a reminder to those who bear it of a sense of heritage and legacy. These are qualities that have been passed down through generations, offering a connection to the past as well as a level of security in the present.
The Yarbourgh name is a reminder that despite difficult times, a family's fortunes can remain intact and can continue to affect generations from one composite source. Those bearing this name can take pride in their rich history and the values they represent.
Order DNA origin analysisYarbourgh: Where does the name Yarbourgh come from?
The last name Yarbourgh is most common in the United States, particularly in the South. It seems to be most heavily concentrated in the states of Mississippi and Alabama, with a few families in other southeastern states having the name.
The earliest recorded use of the name Yarbourgh in the United States took place in the late 1700s when Thomas Yarborow and family moved from England to the United States. Though it is possible the family had used the surname Yarbourgh in the old country, evidence of its use in England is not clear.
In modern times, the name Yarbourgh is most often used by members of the African-American community, with many of them living in the deep south. In Mississippi, the name is particularly common among the many different African-American denominations, including the Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal faiths.
For those who have the surname Yarbourgh and can trace their ancestry back to the earliest uses of the name, it is a point of pride and celebration. Those of the name still living in the South are typically very proud of their history and the perseverance of their family, especially in states where African-American heritage is not always seen in a favorable light.
Variations of the surname Yarbourgh
The variants and spellings of the surname Yarbourgh are Yarbrough, Yerburgh, Yerburrough, Yereberry, Yerberry, Yarber, Yarbergh, and Yarburg.
The surname Yarbourgh may have several different origins. It may be Anglo-Saxon or Lowland Scottish.
The Anglo-Saxon origin of the surname is derived from the Old English words ‘geard’ and ‘burg’, meaning “enclosed stead” or “fortified settlement”. It may have been a habitational name, used to refer to a person who lived in a fortified settlement or the village of Yardborough in Northamptonshire.
The Lowland Scottish origin could be from the Gaelic words ‘iar’ and ‘brugh’, meaning “west fort”. This name may have been a habitational name used to refer to a person who lived at the western fort.
The surname Yarbourgh may also have Dutch, German, or Jewish roots.
The Dutch variation could come from the words ‘jager’ and ‘burch’, meaning “hunter” and “castle”, respectively. It could be a habitational name used to refer to a person who lived near a hunter’s castle.
The German variation may be derived from the words ‘jar’ and ‘burg’, meaning “tributary” and “fortified settlement”. It could have been a habitational name used to describe a person who lived in a tributary town.
Finally, the Jewish root could be linked to the Hebrew word ‘yarov’, meaning “to throw”. It could have been used as a nickname, referring to a person who was quick to throw stones or it could have referred to someone from the town of Yarov in Ukraine.
Regardless of its origin, the variation of Yarbourgh is still used today, with several modern spellings and surnames derived from it.
Famous people with the name Yarbourgh
- Clay Yarbourgh: American Major League Baseball player
- Mark Yarbourgh: Former National Football League (NFL) player
- Michaela Yarbourgh: American trained classical soprano opera and concert singer
- L. T. Yarbourgh: American Democratic politician
- Tommy Yarbourgh: Award-winning professional artist
- Paul Yarbourgh: Folk musician
- Grant Yarbourgh: Singer/songwriter, musician
- Bill Yarbourgh: NFL Player
- William Yarbourgh: British Army Captain and Political Aide
- Eddie Yarbourgh: Jazz Saxophonist