Surname Yeoman - Meaning and Origin
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Yeoman: What does the surname Yeoman mean?
The last name Yeoman is of English origin, and is believed to have been introduced to Britain by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066. The surname is taken from the medieval English term “yeoman” which referred to a household retainer or attendant. The term also referred to a farmer or agricultural worker, especially one who owned and cultivated his own land.
In medieval England, yeomen were in a social class just above that of peasantry but below that of a gentleman. They held a status which gave them more freedom than peasants but the landed gentry considered them to be inferior. Because of this status, the surname Yeoman was often used as a derogatory term and its use continues to this day.
The Yeoman surname is found throughout England, especially in the counties of Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Gloucestershire. There are also several places named after the Yeoman family in Middle England and it is believed to be an ancient lineage. With the changes in social structure, by the late 1700s the use of the name Yeoman had become less common.
Today it is still used as a surname, though it is less common than others. It is still associated with agricultural labour and manual work. There is also a public house in the village of Castlecombe in the Cotswolds, which bears the name Yeoman. The name Yeoman is a reminder of the hardworking nature of people in the past and the importance of honouring their memory.
Order DNA origin analysisYeoman: Where does the name Yeoman come from?
The last name Yeoman is relatively common in Britain today, although it is found elsewhere in the world. It is an occupational surname derived from the medieval term for a person who was employed in an administrative role or a minor government role. It is most commonly found in Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Oxfordshire in England, which is where most of its occurrence is found. It may also be found in other areas of the UK, particularly in the south-west as well as other parts of Europe, particularly in France.
The Yeoman surname is also found in other parts of the world, particularly in the USA, where it is believed to have been brought by migrating settlers from Britain. By the eighties and nineties of the twentieth century, Yeoman families were becoming more common in the USA, with records showing occurrences in Idaho, New York, California, Indiana, Pennsylvania and more.
Yeoman can also be found in countries such as Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. In fact, records show that the Yeoman family is most numerous in New Zealand. The surname is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, as families continue to migrate to countries around the world. In today's age it is easier to spread and share the Yeoman name, as well as establish your own Yeoman family line.
Variations of the surname Yeoman
The surname Yeoman is of British origin, with its derivation from the Middle English term "yoeman," meaning "an attendant of a noble." This surname has many variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin.
Variants of the surname Yeoman include Yeomans, Yoman, Yemans, Yemins, Ewmans, Eomans, Iomans, Iomens, Eyomans, theman, and theemin.
Spelling variants are Yeomans, Yemans, Yomans, Ewmans, Eymons, Eomans, Iomans, Iomens, Yemins, Eyomans, and Yeomont.
Other surnames of the same origin include Yeomans, Yomans, Ewmans, Eyomans, Iomans, Iomens, Yemins, Eurman, Erosyman, Euermen, and Vingermans.
The surname Yeoman has been known by different variations in various regions throughout England. In Yorkshire, it was historically spelled Yeomans, while in Lincolnshire, it was often spelled Yeemen. In Kent, it was sometimes spelled Yeomont, while in Oxfordshire it was usually spelled Yemans.
In addition to being an English surname, Yeoman is also a Dutch surname. It has different spellings depending on the area, including Jeuman, Juoman, Yeoman, and Yuman.
In conclusion, the surname Yeoman has a rich history and many variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. It is found in both English and Dutch culture, often with varying spellings depending on the region.
Famous people with the name Yeoman
- John Yeoman: An English author and scriptwriter for television and children’s books. He wrote many well-known books and television scripts, including The Cat, The Rooster and The Mouse, The Flight of the Granada, and The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark.
- Bucker Yeoman: An American actor, producer, director, and screenwriter. He is best known for his roles in films such as The Return of the King and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
- Imogen Yeoman: An English model who is best known for being featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. She has also done work for brands such as L’Oreal, Victoria’s Secret, and Ralph Lauren.
- Adam Yeoman: An English drummer, guitarist, and songwriter. He has played with bands such as Muse, Enter Shikari, and The Wombats.
- John Yeoman Sugarman: An Irish-American composer and producer. He is known for his work on the hit Disney animated film Moana.
- Robert Yeoman: An American cinematographer best known for his frequent collaborations with the director Wes Anderson, such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Darjeeling Limited, and The Royal Tenenbaums.
- Catherine Yeoman: An English art historian and curator. She is a specialist in British art and art of the First World War, and she has held positions at the Imperial War Museum, Tate Britain, and the National Portrait Gallery.