NameCensus.

UK surname

Yarde

A variant spelling of the habitational surname denoting someone from the villages of Yarde or Yarde Hill.

In the 1881 census there were 37 people recorded with the Yarde surname, ranking it #28,418 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 400, ranked #11,879, up from #28,418 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Chudleigh, Buckland St Mary and Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos). In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Torridge, West Dorset and Taunton Deane.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Yarde is 405 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 981.1%.

1881 census count

37

Ranked #28,418

Modern count

400

2016, ranked #11,879

Peak year

2014

405 bearers

Map years

4

1911 to 2016

Key insights

  • Yarde had 37 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #28,418 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 400 in 2016, ranked #11,879.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 141 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Yarde surname distribution map

The map shows where the Yarde surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Yarde surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Yarde over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 34 #27,194
1861 historical 44 #28,433
1881 historical 37 #28,418
1891 historical 70 #28,073
1901 historical 99 #22,999
1911 historical 141 #18,571
1997 modern 311 #13,217
1998 modern 326 #13,146
1999 modern 329 #13,147
2000 modern 340 #12,824
2001 modern 326 #13,006
2002 modern 331 #13,115
2003 modern 317 #13,328
2004 modern 329 #13,027
2005 modern 329 #12,966
2006 modern 338 #12,779
2007 modern 338 #12,925
2008 modern 348 #12,751
2009 modern 354 #12,858
2010 modern 361 #12,933
2011 modern 355 #12,963
2012 modern 366 #12,520
2013 modern 382 #12,337
2014 modern 405 #11,880
2015 modern 403 #11,835
2016 modern 400 #11,879

Geography

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Where Yardes are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Chudleigh, Buckland St Mary, Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff and Baswich. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Torridge, West Dorset, Taunton Deane and Brent. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Chudleigh Devon
2 Buckland St Mary Somerset
3 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
4 Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff Gloucestershire
5 Baswich Staffordshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Torridge 004 Torridge
2 West Dorset 003 West Dorset
3 Taunton Deane 005 Taunton Deane
4 Taunton Deane 008 Taunton Deane
5 Brent 025 Brent

Forenames

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First names often paired with Yarde

These lists show first names that appear often with the Yarde surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Yarde

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Yarde, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Yarde surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Yarde household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Yarde is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Yarde is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Yarde falls in decile 6 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

6
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Yarde is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Yarde, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Yarde

The surname Yarde has its origins in England, specifically dating back to medieval times. It is primarily associated with the West Country, particularly Devon and Somerset regions. The name derives from the Old English word "geard," meaning yard, enclosure, or garden. This indicates that the original bearers of the surname likely lived near or were associated with a yard or enclosed area.

The surname first appears in historical records during the Middle Ages. One of the earliest references can be traced back to the 13th century when a family named de la Yerde is mentioned in the Assize Rolls of Somerset in 1255. This early spelling variation highlights the evolution of the surname over time.

In the 14th century, Richard del Yarde of Devon is recorded in the Feet of Fines for Devon in 1317. This document was a record of legal agreements and property transactions, suggesting that the Yarde family was of some means and standing in the local community at that time. The occurrence of the Yarde surname in these legal records indicates its established presence in the region.

Another early reference is William Yarde, who appears in records from 1413, indicating the continuity and persistence of the surname over centuries. The Yarde family continued to be notable landowners and influential figures in Devon and Somerset. The village of Yarde in the parish of Burrington, North Devon, is thought to be named after one such family, further cementing the surname’s geographical and historical significance.

One notable historical figure with the surname is Sir John Yarde-Buller, 1st Baronet, born in 1799 and died in 1871. He was an English Conservative politician whose family lineage can be traced back to the original Yarde family of Devon. The combination of Yarde and Buller in the surname reflects the merging of two prominent families.

In the 18th century, Thomas Yarde, born in 1700 and died in 1755, was another significant figure. He held positions of local authority and was known for his contribution to the civic life of his community. His legacy includes several charitable works and public service, which have been documented in regional histories of Devon.

The Yarde surname also appears in historical maritime records. Captain John Yarde, born in 1760 and served in the Royal Navy, participated in several notable naval battles of the late 18th century. His career is well-documented in naval logs and personal journals, making him a prominent figure in the maritime history associated with the Yarde name.

By examining the historical records and the evolution of the Yarde surname, it is evident that the name has deep roots in the West Country of England. Its association with landownership, local governance, and maritime activities illustrates the diverse and rich history of the Yarde family over the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Yarde families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Yarde surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Devon leads with 16 Yardes recorded in 1881 and an index of 21.30x.

County Total Index
Devon 16 21.30x
Lancashire 7 1.64x
Somerset 6 10.33x
Middlesex 3 0.83x
Staffordshire 3 2.46x
Warwickshire 2 2.20x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Haydock in Lancashire leads with 7 Yardes recorded in 1881 and an index of 945.95x.

Place Total Index
Haydock 7 945.95x
White Lackington 5 12500.00x
Wolborough 5 526.32x
Chudleigh 4 1666.67x
Whitchurch 4 3076.92x
Rugeley 3 344.83x
Leamington Priors 2 89.29x
Paddington London 2 15.07x
Ashton 1 5000.00x
Lympston 1 769.23x
North Leigh 1 3333.33x
St Pancras London 1 3.44x
Taunton St James 1 117.65x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Yarde surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 3
Annie 2
Ada 1
Alice 1
Amy 1
Ann 1
Anne 1
Bessie 1
Eliza 1
Elizabeth 1
Emily 1
Fanny 1
Florence 1
Jane 1
Katherine 1
Rebecca 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Yarde surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
William 4
John 2
Thomas 2
David 1
Edward 1
Edwin 1
Francis 1
Fredrick 1
George 1
Henry 1
Samuel 1
Thos.J. 1
Walter 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Yarde households.

FAQ

Yarde surname: questions and answers

How common was the Yarde surname in 1881?

In 1881, 37 people were recorded with the Yarde surname. That placed it at #28,418 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Yarde surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 400 in 2016. That gives Yarde a modern rank of #11,879.

What does the Yarde surname mean?

A variant spelling of the habitational surname denoting someone from the villages of Yarde or Yarde Hill.

What does the Yarde map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Yarde bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.