Surname Yarbow - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'Y'
Yarbow: What does the surname Yarbow mean?
The origin of the last name Yarbow is English and dates back to the medieval period of the 11th century. The surname is derived from the Old English word 'geardboga' meaning 'fence bowman'. This suggests that the person who would have held this last name served in a military capacity as an archer positioned behind a defensive barrier.
In the Middle Ages, archers were central to a military force’s offensive and defensive capabilities. During this period, the English language underwent many changes in syntax and pronunciation. Because of this, the pronunciation of “Yarbow” is considered to be an ancient version of the word, as it has more of an Anglo-Saxon flavor to it.
The name is found primarily in English speaking countries throughout the world, stamps, coins, and other symbols that include the name emulate its ancient roots. For example, a commemorative coin was issued in 2009 with the middle name “Yarbow” to honor a family that was said to have served as a protective force in its town, reflecting the possible origin of this surname.
Today, the surname Yarbow continues to be carried on by many throughout the world, a testament to its ancient lineage and strength in purpose.
Order DNA origin analysisYarbow: Where does the name Yarbow come from?
The last name Yarbow is believed to be a primarily British and Irish surname. The vast majority of people with the surname today living in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
In the United Kingdom, searches for the surname have been performed mostly in Scotland and England, suggesting that these two countries have the highest concentrations of the name today.
In Ireland, the surname is most commonly found in Northern Ireland, with Belfast having the highest frequency. The surname is also found in other areas of Ireland such as Cork, Dublin, Galway, and Mayo.
In Australia, there is a greater presence of the surname in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, compared to other states. The surname is most commonly found in the state of New South Wales, particularly in Sydney.
In New Zealand, searches for the surname have been predominantly in the North Island, particularly in Auckland and Wellington.
Overall, the surname Yarbow is most common today in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The concentrations of the surname in each of these countries, however, varies between states and regions.
Variations of the surname Yarbow
Yarbow is a rare English surname. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Yerba, Yarbrough, Yarbro, Yarbor, Yarbur, Yarber, Yerby and Yarvey.
The most distinctive variant, Yarbro, is thought to have French origins. It appears to have emerged from the Norman noble family of De Yarboro, who were present in the 10th century. The Yarbro variant is most commonly found in the southern United States, particularly in Virginia and North Carolina.
The spelling Yarbor is thought to have arisen in Yorkshire, where the surname may have been influenced by the regional pronunciation of Yarbo. The spelling occurs most commonly in the United States, particularly in Colorado.
The spelling Yarbur is thought to have arisen in the United Kingdom and been influenced by the Yorkshire pronunciation of Yarbo. The spelling is most commonly found in England.
The surnames Yerba and Yerby are thought to have been derived from the Spanish word yerba, meaning 'grass'. The surnames appear to have emerged among Spanish-speaking populations in the southwestern United States.
The spelling Yarvey is thought to have arisen in Gloucestershire, where it was likely influenced by a local pronunciation of Yarbo. It is most commonly found in the United Kingdom.
Generally, variants of Yarbow all appear to be related to the same distant ancestor; however, many of the surnames have become quite distinct over the centuries due to regional influences.
Famous people with the name Yarbow
- Olen Yarbow, a Minnesota-born professional hockey player who played in three NHL games in 1950 before starting his 11-year minor league career
- Leah Yarborough, an American gospel singer who won two Grammy Awards for her albums Reach Out and Gideon’s Gift
- Jack Yarborough, a retired Major League Baseball pitcher who pitched for seven different teams over his career
- Chuck Yarborough, an American rock musician, best known as a founding member of the popular band Night Ranger
- Scott Yarborough, a professional golfer who competed on the Web.com Tour in the 2000s
- Mary Yarborough, a four-time Grammy Award winning vocalist and composer
- Jean David Yarbrough, an American film producer, director, and screenwriter
- Bill Yarbrough, a retired American chef and chef instructor who is best known for his many cookbooks and cooking shows
- Clinton Yarbrough, a professional heavyweight boxer who held the United States Boxing Association heavyweight title in 2008
- James Yarbrough, an American author and historian who published the book Black Americans in the Revolutionary Era in 1973.