Surname Yerbrough - Meaning and Origin
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Yerbrough: What does the surname Yerbrough mean?
The last name Yerbrough has a long and varied history with roots in various cultures. Its origins can be traced back to the old and Middle English word “yeoman,” which was used in the early Middle Ages to refer to a landowner or farmer who was self-sufficient. This idea was adopted by the Normans who applied it to someone of their own class and status who lived on the land they possessed, usually through a lease from a higher authority.
The origins of the surname Yerbrough appear to have been first recorded in Scotland, where it is still common today. In Scotland, the surname is thought to have been derived from the Old English word “geohræd,” which means a “green man.” This was most likely a reference to a smallholder or man of the land who used the natural resources around them to cultivate and maintain the land.
As the Normans continued to expand their reach across Europe in the Middle Ages, the surname was spread further afield. In England, the family name was often spelled as Yarbrough, as well as Yerburgh. The Yerbrough name was also adopted by various other European countries, such as France, where its spelling was changed to Yerbourg.
The meaning of the Yerbrough surname today may be seen as a tribute to the hardworking and independent spirit of those first men of the land. The surname speaks to the strength, independence and determination associated with individuals who have persevered despite the odds. It also speaks to a tradition of respecting the natural environment and those who are connected to it.
Order DNA origin analysisYerbrough: Where does the name Yerbrough come from?
The last name Yerbrough appears to be most common in the United States. According to Census records from 2000 and 2018, an estimated 1,994 people in the United States have this surname. It is also found in smaller numbers in other countries such as Canada, England and Australia.
One origin of the name Yerbrough is from the Norwegian word "Yerbrå" which means "dark berry". According to Ancestry.com, this family name was established in the United States when several pioneers by the name of Dirk, Henrick, Johannes, and Unni Yerbrough all immigrated to America in the late 1600s.
Today, people with the last name Yerbrough reside primarily in the Southern states like North Carolina, Texas, and Alabama. North Carolina has the highest concentration of Yerbroughs with an estimated 892 individuals. Additionally, Texas has an estimated 518 people with this surname, and Alabama has 472.
Overall, the last name Yerbrough is most commonly found in the United States, although it is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of the world. Most people with this last name live in the Southern United States, with the highest concentration found in North Carolina. Traditionally, it is said to have come from the Norwegian word for “dark berry”.
Variations of the surname Yerbrough
The surname Yerbrough can be spelled and pronounced many different ways, depending upon the regional and cultural origins of the individual carrying the name. It is sometimes spelled as Yarborough, Yerburgh, Erbrough or Erbrugh.
The surname Yerbrough originated in Northern England and is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word 'jor' meaning 'spear', and 'bur' meaning 'fortified enclosure”.
The original spelling of the surname, Yerbrough, is the traditional one found in Northumbria, Cumberland and Yorkshire counties in the northernmost part of England. It is the most common spelling of the name in those counties today.
Variations of the surname Yerbrough found in other parts of England include Yarborough, Yerburgh, Erbrough and Erbrugh. These variations of the surname can be found in counties including Lancashire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire, as well as areas further south such as Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire and Essex.
The Yerbrough spelling of the name is the most commonly found in the United States, particularly in areas of the Midwest and South. Variations in the United States are mainly spelled as Yarborough or Yerbury.
In Scotland, the Yerbrough surname is most commonly spelled as Erbrough or Erbrugh.
In summary, the Yerbrough surname has many variations in spelling and pronunciation including Yarborough, Yerburgh, Erbrough, Erbrugh, Yerbury and Yarborough. These variations are mainly found in the United Kingdom, but can also be found in other countries such as the United States and Scotland.
Famous people with the name Yerbrough
- Christopher Yerbrough (American politician)
- Richard Yerbrough (American politician)
- Brad Yarbrough (American football player)
- Ellie Yarbrough (American Paralympic swimmer)
- Jesse Yarbrough (American basketball player)
- Earl Yarbrough (American musician)
- Brandon Yarbrough (American rugby player)
- Zack Yarbrough (American soccer player)
- Jesse Yarbrough (American cyclist)
- Haley Yarbrough (American basketball player)