Surname Yarburough - Meaning and Origin
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Yarburough: What does the surname Yarburough mean?
The surname Yarburough is of English origin, and it can refer to either a place-name or an occupational name.
When referring to a place-name, it is believed to originate in Yorkshire, as there is a village located there called Yarburgh. It is also related to a few other English locales such as Yarborough in Lincolnshire, and Yarboro in Dorset. The name is derived from the Old English words 'ea' (river) and 'burgh' (fortified stronghold), suggesting that the towns and villages bearing this name were once located near a formidable natural barrier of some sort.
It is also an occupational name, derived from the Old English word 'yerb', which means 'an herb-gatherer' or 'druggist'. The people who were given this surname were likely involved in the production and sale of medicinal herbs, or even simply the harvesting of them.
In either case, the name Yarburough likely carries a meaning of either 'from the fortified stronghold on the river' or 'herb-gatherer' respectively. People bearing the surname today can be proud of their English origins, and the knowledge that their ancestors were either brave warriors known for defending a standing landmark, or hard-working people involved in the production of nature's medicine.
Order DNA origin analysisYarburough: Where does the name Yarburough come from?
The last name Yarburough is commonly found today throughout parts of the United States, particularly in the southeast, as well as some other countries. In the United States, it tends to be most predominant in the states of Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It also has roots in Louisiana where it is most commonly spelled as Yarbrough.
The original ancestor of the surname, Robert Yarboro, moved from England to Virginia sometime in the 1600s. His descendants spread throughout the south, particularly in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. During the time of the Civil War, members of the family fought for the Confederate army, largely from North Carolina and Virginia. Other members moved to Louisiana and Mississippi where the name saw some slight variation in spelling.
Today, those who carry the name can be found in all states of the south, particularly in the states previously mentioned. The name is also seen in many parts of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It is still a relatively rare name in comparison to other common surnames in these countries and regions but it is continuing to spread as more families migrate around the world.
Variations of the surname Yarburough
The surname Yarburough has many variants, spellings, and similar surnames of the same origin.
Variants of the surname include Yarbrough, Yarborough, Yarboro, Yarbro, and Yarborogh. The spelling Yarburrough can occasionally be seen.
Similar surnames include Yarbor, Yarbar, Yarborow, and Yerborough. The Yarbrough variant of the surname is especially common in Scotland and has some distinct variants of its own including Yarrabridge, Yarbarrow, Yarbrowe, and Yarbridge.
The Yarborough variant is mostly found in the United States and Great Britain, while the Yarboro variant is more often found in the United States. The Yarborogh variant is often found in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
The origin of the Yarburough surname is unclear. It may be derived from a place name, or it may be derived from the personal name Yarlbargh or Yarbrough meaning "spear ridge" or "current point." There is also a possibility that the surname Yarburough could be of Norman French origin from elements of the surnames Yorburg, YarbORGH, and YarbOR, which are related to the words for "ironworks" and "farm."
No matter its origin, the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Yarburough show its broad prevalence around the world.
Famous people with the name Yarburough
- Connally Yarborough, former American NFL running back
- Roger Yarborough, former American NBA guard
- Olan Yarborough, former American NFL wide receiver
- Bootsy Yarborough, former American MLB pitcher
- Ramon Yarborough, former American MLB shortstop
- Heath Yarborough, current American NFL defensive tackle
- R.J. Yarborough, former American NFL quarterback
- Brandon Yarborough, former American NFL wide receiver
- Johnny Yarborough, former American NBA guard
- Tim Yarborough, former American NFL kicker