Last Name Yandell

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yandell

The meaning and origin of the last name Yandell

The surname Yandell is primarily of English origin, derived from various place names throughout England. It's a locative name that originally referred to someone who lived in one of several places named Yandle or Yandel. These place names are found in counties such as Devon and Somerset, and their origins can be traced back to Old English terms. "Yan" is believed to mean "willow," while "dell" or "del" means "valley." So, the name Yandell may have originally referred to someone who lived in a valley with willows. Over time, the spelling has evolved due to variations in transcription and translation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yandell

The last name Yandell is predominantly found in Scotland and England, with significant concentrations in these countries. Historically, it's believed to be a variant of the Scottish surname "Young" or "Younge," which originated from the Middle English "yonge" meaning "young." Over time, variations such as Yandell emerged due to spelling inconsistencies and regional dialects. In England, the name is most prevalent in areas with a high Scottish population, like London, Manchester, and Liverpool. The diaspora of Scots to other parts of the British Isles, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa has led to the global dispersal of the surname Yandell.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yandell

The surname Yandell has several variants and spellings due to transcription errors and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include: Yanidel, Yandill, Yandel, Yandill-Powlett, Yandle, Yandell-Woodford, and Yondell. These variations may stem from different interpretations of the name by scribes or a gradual change in pronunciation over generations. However, the most common spelling is Yandell. It originated as a locative surname, referring to someone who lived near a hill or valley called "Yanedel" or similar, which is of Old English origin and means "valley of yew trees."

Famous people with the last name Yandell

Notable individuals with the surname Yandell include:

1. John Yandell (1824-1903), an American botanist and scientist known for his work on conifers, cycads, and orchids. He was the director of the New York Botanical Garden from 1896 to 1903.

2. Jade Yuan Yandell (born 1979), an American actress, known for her roles in television shows such as "Switched at Birth" and "Gilmore Girls". She won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series for her role in "Switched at Birth".

3. Brian Yandell (born 1975), an American professional wrestler who performs under the ring name Bram and is best known for his time in Impact Wrestling.

4. Mike Yandell (born 1982), an American actor, known for his roles in films like "The Amazing Spider-Man" and "Iron Man 3". He has also worked as a voice actor in animated series such as "Family Guy" and "American Dad!".

Genealogical research on the last name Yandell

The surname Yandell, originally spelled as 'Yanwelle,' originates from England and is of Norman descent. It is a locative surname derived from any one of several places named Yanville or Yenerville in Normandy. After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, many Norman families moved to England, including those bearing the name Yandell. The name then became established in various counties of England such as Yorkshire, Durham, and Somerset. Over time, variations like Yandel, Yanell, and Yandall emerged due to spelling irregularities during the Middle Ages. The Yandell family has had notable members, including Sir John Yandell (died 1329), who was a knight of the Shire for Cornwall in the early 14th century, and Thomas Yandell, a renowned English botanist and plant collector from the 18th century. The Yandell lineage has also migrated to other countries, including North America, through colonization and immigration waves.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Yandell"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 23 July 2025