Surname Yarbrigh - Meaning and Origin
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Yarbrigh: What does the surname Yarbrigh mean?
The last name Yarbrigh is believed to be of Scottish origin, deriving from the terms "yard" and "bryaigh" which combine to mean "clearing in a wood or forest". It is commonly believed that those who bear the name and its variants (e.g., Yarborough, Yarbrough) originally lived in the vicinity of woods and forests.
Early records with the Yarbrigh name date back as far as the 18th century, when the first documented bearer of the name was Thomas Yarbrigh in 1712. He lived in Scotland and was listed as the laird of Yarbrylean. Since that time, the surname has had many variations over the years, including Yarbro, Yarboro, Yarbrough, Yarbrys etc.
Today, the Yarbrigh name is most associated with the United States, especially in the South where many people of Scottish origin settled. The name can be found throughout the country, but perhaps is most prevalent in Oregon, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama.
At its core, the name Yarbrigh is firmly rooted in history and Scotland's ancient Gaelic heritage. It symbolizes a time when Scots roamed freely in wide-open woodlands and cleared away their own piece of paradise to call home. Throughout generations, this tradition of pioneering the new and the unknown has been carried on by individuals bearing the name Yarbrigh.
Order DNA origin analysisYarbrigh: Where does the name Yarbrigh come from?
The last name Yarbrigh is not a common name today, but there are some small pockets throughout the world where the name is found.
In the United States, the name appears mainly in Texas, New Jersey, and California. It is thought to be an Americanized version of the French surname Yarbrough, which comes from two old French words, 'yer' meaning good and 'breu' meaning wheat.
In Europe, Yarbrigh is most commonly found in Germany, as well as the Netherlands and Belgium. It also appears in parts of Scotland and England, where it is generally thought to have originated.
Australia has a small number of people bearing the name, mainly in the state of Queensland. It is thought to have been influenced by the Scottish immigrants who settled in the area during the 19th century.
Yarbrigh also appears in other parts of the world, including India, Japan, and the Philippines. It is more common in these areas, especially among the local populations.
Overall, it seems that the name Yarbrigh is not overly popular, but is found in small concentrations in many countries throughout the world. It may have originated in the British Isles, but has since spread and become more widespread due to immigration and intermarriage.
Variations of the surname Yarbrigh
The surname "Yarbrigh" is an Anglicized version of the Irish name O'hIarbhraigh, which means 'descendant of Iarbhraigh' (or Iarbhraighe). It is derived from the Gaelic personal name Iarbhraigh, which is formed from elements meaning 'iron-grey.'
Variants of the name include Yarberry, Yarbrough, Yarbry, Yarrberry, Yarrbrogh, Yarrbry, Yarbro, Yarbrogh, Yarrow, and Yarrowbrook. It can also be spelled Yarbri', Yarbre', Yarbri, or Yarbrih.
It is also commonly found as variants of other Irish names, for example MacSuibhne (Mac Sweeney), O'hUidhrin (O'Hearin), O'Gary (O'Gormley), O'Duibhir (O'Dwyer), and MacCinneide (MacKenna).
Surnames related to the "Yarbrigh" surname include Yarberry, Yarborough, Yarrberry, Yarrbrogh, Yarrbry, Yarbro, Yarbrogh, Yarrow, Yarrowbrook, MacSuibhne, O'hUidhrin, O'Garry, O'Duibhir, and MacCinneide.
It is possible that there are additional surnames with a similar origin that are not listed above; as such, it is important to keep in mind that a related spelling or surname may exist.
Famous people with the name Yarbrigh
- Colton Yarbrigh, Professional Forex Trader and Entrepreneur
- Alana Yarbrigh, professional surfer
- Stafford Yarbrigh, award-winning documentarian and filmmaker
- David Yarbrigh, professional writer and novelist
- Jaclyn Yarbrigh, philanthropist and social activist
- Joe Yarbrigh, music producer and award-winning artist
- John Yarbrigh, television producer and director
- Mary Jane Yarbrigh, country-folk singer/songwriter
- Devin Yarbrigh, professional baseball player
- Sam Yarbrigh, video game designer and developer