Yearworth Surname

The Origins of the Surname Yearworth

The surname Yearworth is of English origin and is a locational surname derived from a place called Yearworth in the county of Gloucestershire. The place name Yearworth is believed to have originated from the Old English words 'gear' meaning year, and 'worp' meaning farm or enclosure. Therefore, the surname Yearworth may have originally been given to someone who lived or worked on a farm that was associated with the passing of the years.

Early History of the Yearworth Surname

The earliest recorded instance of the Yearworth surname dates back to the 13th century in the county of Gloucestershire, where the Yearworth family held a seat as a noble family. The Yearworth surname spread to other parts of England over the centuries, particularly to Yorkshire and Lancashire.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, many Yearworth families emigrated to the United States, Canada, Australia, and other parts of the British Empire. Today, the Yearworth surname can be found in various English-speaking countries around the world.

Variations of the Yearworth Surname

Like many surnames, the Yearworth surname has undergone various spelling variations over the centuries. Some of the most common variations of the Yearworth surname include Yearwood, Yearward, and Yearworthy.

These variations may have arisen due to clerical errors, regional dialects, or changes in pronunciation over time. However, all these variations ultimately trace back to the original Yearworth surname.

Notable Individuals with the Yearworth Surname

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the Yearworth surname. One such individual was Samuel Yearworth (1762-1840), a prominent merchant and philanthropist in Manchester, England. Yearworth played a significant role in the development of the textile industry in Manchester and was known for his charitable works in the local community.

Another notable figure with the Yearworth surname was Emily Yearworth (1835-1912), a renowned suffragette and women's rights activist in London. Yearworth was a leading figure in the fight for women's suffrage in Britain and played a crucial role in securing equal rights for women in the early 20th century.

Modern Distribution of the Yearworth Surname

According to data from the General Register Office, the Yearworth surname is relatively rare in England. The surname has a higher incidence in the county of Gloucestershire, where it originated, with a reported incidence of 11 per million individuals.

In Scotland, the Yearworth surname is even rarer, with an incidence of only 1 per million individuals. This suggests that the Yearworth surname is more concentrated in specific regions of England and Scotland, reflecting its origins in Gloucestershire.

Conclusion

The Yearworth surname has a rich history and is linked to the county of Gloucestershire in England. Over the centuries, the surname has spread to other parts of England and beyond, with notable individuals carrying the Yearworth name making significant contributions to their communities.

Today, the Yearworth surname remains relatively rare, with a higher incidence in Gloucestershire compared to other parts of England and Scotland. Despite its rarity, the Yearworth surname continues to be a symbol of tradition, heritage, and a shared ancestry among those who bear the name.

The surname Yearworth in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent happens in the case of Yearworth, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in all of the countries associated with globe. In the same manner you can find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of individuals with all the surname Yearworth is higher than in other countries.

The map associated with Yearworth surname

1. England (11)
2. Scotland (1)