YEARDLEY
Yeardley
Yeardley is a surname of English origin, thought to be locational in nature. The name is believed to derive from a now-lost medieval village or hamlet named Yardley, meaning "wood or clearing frequented by jays". The surname is mainly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in the English counties of Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
History
The earliest recorded instance of the Yeardley surname dates back to the early 14th century, with variations such as Yardley, Yardly, Bordley, and Yardeley also being observed in historical records. The Yeardley family is most famously associated with Sir George Yeardley (1587 – 1627), who was an English colonial administrator and served as the Governor of the Virginia Colony in the early 17th century.
Distribution
Today, individuals bearing the Yeardley surname can be found in various parts of the United Kingdom, as well as in former British colonies such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The surname has spread through generations of migration and settlement.
Notable Individuals
- Sir George Yeardley (1587 – 1627): English colonial administrator and Governor of the Virginia Colony, known for his role in promoting representative government in the early American colonies.
- Sir Richard Yeardley (1913 – 1987): British chemist and educator, renowned for his contributions to the field of organic chemistry.
- Hannah Yeardley (b. 1975): British artist and sculptor, known for her contemporary works exploring themes of nature and urban landscapes.
In conclusion, the Yeardley surname holds historical significance in England and beyond, with notable individuals contributing to various fields over the centuries.
There are approximately 666 people named Yeardley in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Yeardley.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- Eric
- John
- Joseph
- Kevin
- Mark
- Mike
- Neil
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
- Steven
- Terry
Female
- Barbara
- Carol
- Emily
- Emma
- Kathleen
- Kathryn
- Linda
- Rebecca
- Susan
- Suzanne