Origin & Meaning of the York Surname
What does the last name York mean?
The surname York carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 53,059 bearers in the 2010 US Census, York ranks as the #642 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname York come from?
The York surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 York name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of York trace back to European. 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 | York |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #642 |
| US Count (2010) | 53,059 |
| Per 100K People | 17.99 |
| First Letter | Y |
Ethnic Distribution of York
According to the US Census, the York surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 53,059 Americans with the York last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.81% |
| Black | 8.04% |
| Hispanic | 2.28% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.9% |
| Native American | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 1.97% |
Popularity of York Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the York surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the York surname increased by 1,725 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your York Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your York ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to York
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with York.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as York.
Frequently Asked Questions About York
Related Searches
People searching for information about the York surname also look for: