Last Name Yeddes

The surname Yeddes is believed to have origins in Germany and France, specifically the region of Alsace which was shared between France and Germany for many centuries. Variations of this surname include Jeddes, Jedes, Jedetzky, and Geddes. It may derive from a Germanic personal name such as "Godehard" or "Godard," with the diminutive suffix "-et" added to form the patronymic Yeddes. However, it's important to note that surname origins can be complex and subject to debate among researchers.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yeddes

The meaning and origin of the last name Yeddes

The surname Yeddes is of German origin, derived from various regional place names. The name can be traced back to settlements named "Jetze" or similar variations in different parts of Germany. The term "Jetze" itself has an uncertain etymology; it might have origins in Old Saxon, meaning "swamp" or "marsh," or it could stem from personal names like Jodokus (German form of Jude, meaning Jew), or Judas. Over time, as families migrated and resettled, variations of the surname Yeddes arose, such as Jetz, Jetzer, Jetze, and others. The spelling variations also reflect changes in pronunciation and transcription over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yeddes

The surname Yeddes is primarily distributed across several regions, with significant concentrations found in Germany and Scandinavia due to historical migration patterns. In Germany, it's most prevalent in the northern states such as Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia. In Scandinavia, particularly in Norway, the surname Yeddes can be found in the counties of Viken, Agder, and Rogaland. The name also has a presence in other parts of Europe, including the Netherlands and Denmark, as well as in the United States, where many Germans immigrated during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In recent years, there have been small numbers of individuals with the surname Yeddes recorded in countries like Australia, Canada, and South Africa, reflecting continued global migration trends.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yeddes

The surname Yeddes has several variations and spellings, which may arise due to transcription errors, regional dialects, or family preferences over time. Some common variations include Yaddeus, Yades, Yedes, and Yaddes. Additionally, there might be slight differences in spelling based on the country or region of origin, such as Yeddes (United States), Yède (France), or Yeddis (Israel). It's also worth noting that some individuals may have altered the spelling intentionally to better suit their personal preferences or cultural context. In conclusion, while the original form and origins of the surname Yeddes are unknown, its variations serve as a testament to the diverse ways in which names can evolve over time and across different cultures.

Famous people with the last name Yeddes

Notable individuals with the surname Yeddes include:

1. Paul Yeddes (born 1968), an American actor known for his roles in films such as "The Devil's Rejects" and "Halloween II".
2. Mike Yeddes (born 1974), a Canadian-American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name MVP, who has worked for various promotions including WWE and Impact Wrestling.
3. Joseph Yeddes (1898-1965), an American artist who specialized in watercolor landscapes of the New England region. His works are part of the collections of several museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
4. James Yeddes (born 1962), a retired American professional soccer player who played as a goalkeeper for teams such as the Los Angeles Aztecs and San Jose Earthquakes in the North American Soccer League. He also represented the United States national team at the 1984 Olympics.
5. Chris Yeddes (born 1967), an American former professional soccer player who played as a defender for teams such as the San Diego Sockers and Los Angeles Galaxy in the Major Indoor Soccer League, as well as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars in MLS. He also represented the United States at international level.

Genealogical research on the last name Yeddes

The surname Yeddes is believed to have originated from various regions, primarily Germany and Scandinavia, due to similarities with Old Norse and Middle High German names such as "Eidar" or "Ittich," which mean 'eider' and 'fish' respectively. The name Yeddes may also be a shortened form of Germanic names like "Johannes Eidert" or "Nikolaus Eidert."

Migration patterns indicate that individuals with the surname Yeddes settled in North America, specifically in the United States and Canada, during the 18th and 19th centuries. They often came from regions such as Germany, Norway, and Sweden, fleeing religious persecution or seeking better opportunities. Notable Yeddes ancestors include Johannes Eidert, a German immigrant who settled in Pennsylvania in the mid-1700s, and Norwegian immigrant Ole Yeddes, who arrived in Minnesota in the 1860s.

The Yeddes family has maintained a strong presence in both North America and Europe, with variations in spelling such as Eidert, Iddet, Jettles, and Jeetzes also found among descendants. Genealogical research on the Yeddes surname continues to uncover its historical roots and migratory patterns across continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "yeddes"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends