Name Directory by Last Name: Last Names Starting with Ya

The surname Yanez has its roots in the Spanish-speaking world, deriving from the given name "Juan," which itself is a variant of the Hebrew name "Yohanan," meaning "God is gracious." The surname Yanez is a patronymic surname, indicating "son of Yano" or "son of Juan." It first appeared in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages, a period marked by the Christian Reconquista and the establishment of various noble families. As a common surname in Spain and Latin America, Yanez has been associated with various occupations, particularly in agriculture and trade, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of many early bearers.

The surname Yastrzemski has its roots in Poland, deriving from the Polish word "yastrzemb," which translates to "hawk." This suggests that the name may have originally been a nickname for someone who exhibited traits associated with hawks, such as keen vision or a predatory nature. The surname likely emerged in the medieval period, a time when surnames were often based on occupations, physical characteristics, or local geography.

The surname Yano has its historical roots primarily in Japan, where it is believed to have originated from the combination of the characters "ya" (屋), meaning "house" or "shop," and "no" (野), meaning "field" or "wild." This suggests a connection to a geographical feature or a profession related to agriculture or trade. The Yano surname can be traced back to various regions in Japan, particularly in the Kanto and Kansai areas, where it was associated with families engaged in farming or local commerce.

The surname Yao has its historical roots primarily in China, where it is associated with various ethnic groups, including the Han Chinese. The name is believed to have originated from the ancient practice of naming based on geographical features or occupations.

The surname Yamauchi has its historical roots in Japan, where it is believed to have originated during the feudal period. The name is derived from the Japanese words "yama," meaning "mountain," and "uchi," meaning "inside" or "within," which can be interpreted as "within the mountains." This suggests a geographical connection to mountainous regions, possibly indicating that the early bearers of the surname lived in or were associated with such areas.

The surname Yarwood has its historical roots in England, particularly in the northern regions, where it is believed to have originated from the Old English elements "geard," meaning "enclosure" or "yard," and "wudu," meaning "wood." This suggests that the name may have originally referred to someone who lived near a wooded enclosure or a homestead surrounded by trees. The earliest records of the surname date back to the medieval period, with variations appearing in historical documents as the English language evolved.

The surname Yawkey has its historical roots primarily in the United States, particularly associated with the New England region. The name is believed to have originated from the Gaelic surname "O'Seachnasaigh," which translates to "descendant of Seachnasach," a personal name meaning "the one who is sought after." The Yawkey surname first appeared in the early 20th century, gaining prominence through notable figures such as Thomas Yawkey, who was a prominent businessman and owner of the Boston Red Sox from 1933 until his death in 1976.

The surname Yamanaka has its roots in Japan, where it is believed to have originated from the combination of the words "yama," meaning "mountain," and "naka," meaning "middle" or "inside." This suggests a geographical connection, possibly referring to families that lived in mountainous regions or valleys. The Yamanaka name can be traced back to various historical periods in Japan, particularly during the feudal era, when surnames became more formalized.

The surname Yarnall has its historical roots in England, particularly in the region of Yorkshire, where it is believed to have originated. The name is thought to derive from the Old English personal name "Eorcnan," which means "the one who is strong" or "brave." Over time, the surname evolved, with variations appearing in spelling such as "Yarnall," "Yarnell," and "Yarnel." The name was often associated with individuals who held specific occupations or social roles, such as weavers or those involved in the textile industry, reflecting the economic activities prevalent in the region during the medieval period.

The surname Yanes has its historical roots primarily in the Spanish-speaking world, deriving from the given name "Juan," which itself is a variant of the Hebrew name "Yohanan," meaning "God is gracious." The surname Yanes likely emerged in the medieval period, particularly in Spain, where the use of patronymic surnames became common. As families began to adopt surnames based on the names of their ancestors, Yanes would have been used to denote "son of Juan." Over time, individuals bearing this surname may have engaged in various occupations, often linked to agrarian or artisan roles, reflecting the socio-economic conditions of their regions.

The surname Yarrow has its historical roots in England, particularly associated with the Old English word "gearwe," which refers to the yarrow plant, known for its medicinal properties. The name likely originated as a topographical surname for individuals living near a yarrow plant or in a region where it was abundant.

The surname Yagi has its roots in Japan, where it is believed to have originated from the combination of the characters "八" (ya), meaning "eight," and "木" (gi), meaning "tree." This suggests a connection to nature, possibly indicating a geographical feature or a family that lived near a significant grove or forest. Historically, surnames in Japan often reflected the landscape or the occupation of the family, and Yagi may have been associated with those who were involved in agriculture or forestry.

The surname Yarger has its historical roots primarily in the Germanic regions, particularly associated with the name "Jäger," which translates to "hunter" in German. The surname likely emerged in the medieval period, when surnames began to be adopted based on occupations, geographical features, or personal characteristics.

The surname Yandell has its historical roots in England, with its earliest appearances traced back to the medieval period. The name is believed to be a variant of the Old English personal name "Gandulf," which combines the elements "gand," meaning "spear," and "wulf," meaning "wolf." This suggests a warrior lineage, as the name may have originally been associated with individuals who were skilled in battle or held positions of significance within their communities.

The surname Yam has its roots in various cultures, with notable historical significance in both Jewish and Asian contexts. In Hebrew, "Yam" translates to "sea," and it is often associated with geographical features or occupations related to water, such as fishing or maritime trade.

The surname Yapp has its historical roots in England, with its earliest appearances dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Old English personal name "Gēap," which means "wide" or "broad." The surname likely developed as a patronymic, indicating "son of Gēap," and may have been associated with individuals who were known for their physical stature or perhaps their broad-mindedness.

The surname Yamasaki has its roots in Japan, where it is believed to have originated from the combination of the kanji characters "山" (yama), meaning "mountain," and "崎" (saki), meaning "cape" or "promontory." This suggests a geographical connection, likely referring to families who lived near mountainous regions or coastal areas with prominent landforms. The surname can be traced back to various regions in Japan, particularly in the Kansai area, where many families adopted surnames based on local geography during the Edo period (1603-1868).

The surname Yarrington has its historical roots in England, with its earliest appearances traced back to the medieval period. The name is believed to be locational, derived from places named Yarrington in Somerset and other regions, which likely means "the settlement by the river Yare." The suffix "-ton" typically denotes a town or settlement, while "Yare" may refer to a river or stream, indicating a geographical feature significant to the community.

The surname Yate has its historical roots in England, with its earliest appearances dating back to the medieval period. The name is believed to derive from the Old English word "geat," meaning "gate" or "opening," which may have referred to a geographical feature or a location near a gate or entrance.

The surname Yaw has its historical roots primarily in the English-speaking world, particularly in regions of the United Kingdom. It is believed to be derived from the given name "Yaw," which is a variant of "Yahweh," a name with biblical significance.