Last Name Yarbrough

The last name Yarbrough is of English origin. It is believed to be a habitational surname derived from the Old English words "eorth" which means "earth" and "burh" which means "fortress" or "castle." Therefore, Yarbrough is thought to have originally referred to someone who lived near a fortress or castle. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have varied, resulting in different variations such as Yarborough or Yarbrow.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yarbrough

The meaning and origin of the last name Yarbrough

The surname Yarbrough has an English origin and is derived from a place name. It is believed to originate from the Old English words "eald" meaning "old" and "burh" meaning "fortress" or "manor." Therefore, Yarbrough likely referred to someone who lived near or was associated with an old fort or manor. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved, resulting in various variations such as Yearby, Arbuthnot, and Erb. Significantly, Yarbrough has been predominantly found in Northern England, specifically in the counties of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, where place names with similar roots can be found. As with many surnames, Yarbrough may have also emerged as a means of identifying individuals in a community based on their ancestral ties or geographical proximity. Today, descendants of the Yarbrough surname can be found in various parts of the world, including the United States and Australia, owing to migration and historical factors.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yarbrough

The last name Yarbrough is primarily found in the Southern United States, particularly in the states of Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. It is believed to have English origins, tracing back to the Middle Ages. As with many surnames, the distribution of Yarbrough has expanded beyond its original location due to migration and movement of individuals over time. In Texas, the Yarbrough surname is most prevalent, particularly in regions such as Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Mississippi also has a significant concentration of Yarbroughs, especially in cities like Jackson and Gulfport. Alabama and Georgia have a notable presence as well, with Yarbroughs scattered throughout various counties and cities. Although the family name Yarbrough is primarily associated with the Southern United States, it is not limited to this region. There are also Yarbrough families scattered across other states like North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas, albeit in smaller numbers. The geographical distribution of the Yarbrough surname reflects its historical roots and subsequent migration patterns within the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yarbrough

The last name Yarbrough has several variations and spellings due to regional accents, migration, and transcription errors throughout history. Some variations include Yarbrough, Yarborough, Yarbrow, and Yarbary. These variations often originated from different branches of the same family or different areas where the name was pronounced or written differently. In some instances, the spelling changes were also influenced by immigration officials who may have altered the name during the processing of immigrants. Additionally, variations can be found within documents, such as census records or official records, where different clerks might have transcribed the name differently based on their interpretation or hearing of the pronunciation. Despite these variations, all of these spellings generally represent the same historical family name of Yarbrough, which is believed to have English roots and can be traced back to medieval times.

Famous people with the last name Yarbrough

One of the famous individuals with the surname Yarbrough is Glenn Yarbrough. He was an American folk singer known for his smooth and captivating voice. Born in 1930, Yarbrough gained popularity during the folk music revival of the 1960s. He was a member of the popular folk group, The Limeliters, before pursuing a successful solo career. Yarbrough is perhaps most renowned for his rendition of the song "Baby the Rain Must Fall," which was featured as the theme song for a 1965 film of the same name. His signature velvety voice and emotional delivery made him a beloved figure in the folk music scene, and he continued to perform and record music throughout his career. Glenn Yarbrough's contributions to the genre shall forever be remembered by folk music enthusiasts worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Yarbrough

The Yarbrough surname is believed to have originated from England. The earliest records of individuals with this name date back to the 16th century. Genealogical research suggests that the Yarbroughs were primarily concentrated in the West Midlands region of England, particularly in counties like Staffordshire and Worcestershire. Over time, some members of the Yarbrough family migrated to other parts of England, such as London and Yorkshire. In the 17th century, the Yarbrough name began to appear in colonial America, specifically in Virginia and North Carolina. Notable Yarbrough individuals include William Yarbrough, who settled in Virginia in the early 17th century, and Thomas Yarbrough, who arrived in North Carolina in the late 17th century. Research indicates that various branches of the Yarbrough family further spread across the United States, with significant populations found in Texas, Georgia, and Mississippi. Today, the Yarbrough surname continues to be present in numerous regions across the United States, reflecting the migrations and expansions of the family throughout history.

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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 : 11 April 2025

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