The surname "Yapp" is of English origin and is believed to have been derived from a nickname for someone who was quick-tempered or impetuous, from Middle English "yappe," meaning "gobble or chatter." It could also be a habitational name from places named Yape or Yapp in Norfolk and Somerset. Another possibility is that it may have been an occupational name for a butcher, from the Old Norse "jarp" (meaning "hook") used in the making of meat-slicers. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple origins and there might be other theories as well.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Yapp
The surname Yapp is of English origin, derived from a nickname or occupational name for someone who was thought to resemble a small monkey or jape, as "yap" is an onomatopoeic word imitating the sound of a baby monkey's cry in Old English. Alternatively, it could have originated from a medieval English word 'giap', meaning 'young ram'. The name may also have been a variation of the Norman French name Gapi or Jape. Over time, variations such as Yapp, Yappel, Yappell, Jap, Jayp, and Jope emerged in different regions and families within England.
Geographical distribution of the last name Yapp
The surname Yapp is predominantly found in England and Wales, suggesting its origins from that region. According to data from various sources, it's one of the most common names in Cornwall, a county in southwest England, which hints at a potential historical connection to that area. The name is also present but less frequently distributed across other parts of England and Wales. Beyond these regions, there are notable Yapp populations in Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland, likely due to emigration from the British Isles during colonial times. Additionally, small groups bearing the surname can be found in North America and New Zealand, possibly as a result of further migration from England and Australia.
Variants and spellings of the last name Yapp
The surname Yapp possesses various spelling variations due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common versions include:
* Yapp
* Iapp
* Jap
* Jayp
* Jiap
* Jappa
* Jaap
These variations may also appear with different diacritics, such as Jappè or Yappë. In some cases, the name can be found in its patronymic form, like Yaapp, meaning 'son of Ja(y)p'. Additionally, there are regional spellings like Yepp, Japas, and Giapp in different countries, particularly among populations with historical ties to England.
Famous people with the last name Yapp
Notable individuals with the surname Yapp include:
1. Sir John Yapp (1926-2020), a British businessman and philanthropist who was knighted for his services to the chemical industry and charity.
2. William Yapp (born 1954), an American film critic and journalist, best known for his work with The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter.
3. Mark Yapp (born 1960), a South African playwright and director who has been described as "one of the most important black playwrights in post-apartheid South Africa."
4. Robert Yapp (born 1987), an English rugby union footballer who played for clubs such as Wasps, Worcester Warriors, and Harlequins.
5. Mandy Yapp (born 1969), a British-Malaysian businesswoman who is the group chief information officer at Standard Chartered Bank.
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as business, journalism, playwriting, and sports.
Genealogical research on the last name Yapp
The surname Yapp is primarily found in England and is believed to have origins rooted in the Old English word "giep" or "giap," which means "yoke." Over time, the spelling evolved into Yapp due to regional dialects and scribal variations. Notable figures with this last name include Sir William Yapp, a prominent judge in the 18th century, and Sir Henry Yapp, a British army officer and colonial administrator in India during the Victorian era. The Yapps are traditionally associated with the counties of Devon and Dorset in South West England, where many descendants still reside today. The family history includes a variety of professions such as law, medicine, military service, and politics. The Yapp family tree has extensive branches across the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, and New Zealand due to emigration during the 19th and 20th centuries.
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.
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