Origin & Meaning of the Yancy Surname
What does the last name Yancy mean?
The surname Yancy carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,384 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Yancy ranks as the #7,580 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Yancy come from?
The Yancy surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Yancy name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Yancy trace back to English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Yancy |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,580 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,384 |
| Per 100K People | 1.49 |
| First Letter | Y |
Ethnic Distribution of Yancy
According to the US Census, the Yancy surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,384 Americans with the Yancy last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 38.96% |
| Black | 53.74% |
| Hispanic | 3.17% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.64% |
| Two or More Races | 2.92% |
Popularity of Yancy Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Yancy surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Yancy surname decreased by 45 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Yancy coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Yancy
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Yancy.
Other African American Surnames
Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Yancy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yancy
Top Surnames Starting with Y
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter Y, ranked by population.
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