Last Name Yetman

The surname "Yetman" is of English and Scottish origin. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle English word "yete," meaning "young goat," and the Old Norse word "mannr," meaning "man." Originally, it may have been used as a nickname for someone who resembled a young goat or had characteristics associated with one. Over time, it came to be used as a hereditary surname, indicating a person who was employed in some way related to goats, such as a goatherd or goat farmer. The surname can also be found spelled as "Yettman," "Yedman," and other variations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yetman

The meaning and origin of the last name Yetman

The surname Yetman is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Seton, which was originally a place name referring to the town of Sethin or Seaton in East Lothian, Scotland. Over time, it was anglicized into various forms, including Seton, Seton-of-Seaton, and Yetman, which is the most common spelling found in modern times. The name Yetman may also be a variation of the Scottish Gaelic word "sgeadhan", meaning "a smith" or "blacksmith". The migration of families with this surname from Scotland to other parts of Great Britain and later to North America, particularly Canada and the United States, has resulted in the widespread distribution of the name Yetman today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yetman

The surname Yetman is predominantly found in Scotland and Northern England, particularly in the counties of Aberdeenshire, Angus, and Dumfries & Galloway, reflecting its historical roots. In more recent times, it has also been found in North America, with a significant concentration among the Scottish diaspora in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Smaller numbers of people carrying the name Yetman can be found in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The distribution suggests that the name has been primarily carried by those who have migrated from Scotland over the centuries or are descendants of such migrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yetman

The surname Yetman has several variations and spellings, primarily due to transcription errors over time and regional dialects. Some of these variants include Yetteman, Yateman, Yattaman, Yedman, Jetman, Jetteman, Jattaman, Jeddman, and Jedman. Each of these variations represents a unique spelling or pronunciation of the original surname Yetman, which is of Scottish origin, meaning "yew man." The name's roots can be traced back to the ancient Pictish clans that inhabited the northern regions of Scotland, where the yew tree was abundant. Over time, as families migrated and settled in various parts of the world, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname evolved slightly, resulting in the variations mentioned above.

Famous people with the last name Yetman

The Yetman surname has been associated with several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Jim Yetman, an American professional golfer who won multiple events on the PGA Tour during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His career was marked by a victory at the 1987 U.S. Open, making him the first Australian to win a major championship in nearly 40 years.

In the world of entertainment, Brian Yetman is recognized for his role as a writer and producer on popular television shows such as "Gilmore Girls" and "The West Wing." His work on these series earned him multiple Emmy nominations.

In academia, Mary Jo Yetman, an anthropologist at the University of North Carolina, has made significant contributions to the study of human evolution and behavior. Her research focuses on the evolutionary biology and behavior of modern and extinct humans, with a particular interest in questions related to gender and reproductive strategies.

These examples illustrate the diverse achievements of individuals sharing the surname Yetman. Their work has left indelible marks in golf, television production, and anthropological studies, respectively.

Genealogical research on the last name Yetman

The surname Yetman originated from Scotland, specifically the northern counties of Caithness and Sutherland, where it is believed to have been first used. It is thought to be a locational name derived from any of several places named "Yetholm" or "Ethieholm", which are found in these areas. These placenames mean 'homestead by the river Yethie' or 'homestead by the bend of the water'.

Over time, as families migrated due to various reasons such as religious persecution or economic opportunities, the surname Yetman began to appear in other parts of Scotland and later in England, Ireland, and North America. Some early records show variations of the name, including Yethmann, Yeatman, and Ethieholm, reflecting the phonetic changes that can occur in place names over centuries.

Notable individuals bearing this surname include John Yetman, who was a Scottish soldier and colonizer in Nova Scotia in the 18th century, and William E. Yetman, a prominent American politician who served as the Governor of California during the early 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Yetman"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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