NameCensus.

UK surname

Yarnell

A habitational surname derived from a place name meaning "eagle hill" in Old English.

In the 1881 census there were 179 people recorded with the Yarnell surname, ranking it #13,787 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 294, ranked #14,953, down from #13,787 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard, Gainsborough, Paddocks and Petworth. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include South Kesteven, South Holland and Newark and Sherwood.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Yarnell is 328 in 2002. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 64.2%.

1881 census count

179

Ranked #13,787

Modern count

294

2016, ranked #14,953

Peak year

2002

328 bearers

Map years

7

1881 to 2016

Key insights

  • Yarnell had 179 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #13,787 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 294 in 2016, ranked #14,953.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 251 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Yarnell surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Yarnell surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Yarnell 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 70 #21,020
1861 historical 89 #22,419
1881 historical 179 #13,787
1891 historical 185 #15,803
1901 historical 178 #16,284
1911 historical 251 #12,870
1997 modern 316 #13,080
1998 modern 325 #13,166
1999 modern 327 #13,209
2000 modern 315 #13,495
2001 modern 310 #13,452
2002 modern 328 #13,186
2003 modern 315 #13,384
2004 modern 315 #13,450
2005 modern 308 #13,590
2006 modern 311 #13,577
2007 modern 306 #13,862
2008 modern 311 #13,800
2009 modern 325 #13,657
2010 modern 328 #13,856
2011 modern 307 #14,386
2012 modern 304 #14,388
2013 modern 299 #14,780
2014 modern 293 #15,095
2015 modern 294 #14,971
2016 modern 294 #14,953

Geography

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Where Yarnells are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard, Gainsborough, Paddocks, Petworth, Bracebridge and Brighton. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to South Kesteven, South Holland, Newark and Sherwood and East Cairngorms. 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 Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard Nottinghamshire
2 Gainsborough, Paddocks Lincolnshire
3 Petworth Sussex
4 Bracebridge Lincolnshire
5 Brighton Sussex

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 South Kesteven 008 South Kesteven
2 South Holland 001 South Holland
3 South Kesteven 011 South Kesteven
4 Newark and Sherwood 007 Newark and Sherwood
5 East Cairngorms Aberdeenshire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Yarnell

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Yarnell

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Yarnell, 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

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Ageing Communities

Nationally, the Yarnell surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Yarnell household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Yarnell is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. 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

These residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Yarnell is most concentrated in decile 5 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname near the middle of the scale.

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

5
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Yarnell falls in decile 7 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.

7
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Yarnell 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 Yarnell, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Yarnell

The surname Yarnell originated in England during the 13th century. It is a locational name derived from a place called Yarnfield, located in the West Midlands region of England. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English words "gearn," meaning "yarn," and "feld," meaning "field," suggesting a connection to an area where wool or yarn was produced or traded.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yarnell can be found in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273, which lists a person named Adam de Yernefeld. This document was a survey of landowners in England, providing valuable insights into the distribution and variations of surnames during that time period.

In the 14th century, the name appeared in various forms, such as Yernfeld, Yarnfeld, and Yarnfelde, reflecting the local dialects and spelling variations common in medieval England.

The Yarnell surname can be traced to several historical figures throughout the centuries. One notable individual was John Yarnell (c. 1545-1597), an English clergyman and author who served as the Archdeacon of Chichester in the late 16th century.

Another prominent bearer of the name was William Yarnell (1673-1751), a Quaker leader and landowner in Pennsylvania, United States. He was among the early English settlers in the region and played a significant role in the establishment of the Quaker community there.

In the 18th century, Thomas Yarnell (1713-1784) was a respected English physician and author who wrote several medical treatises, including "An Inquiry into the Causes of the Cure of the Putrid Fever" (1778).

Moving forward to the 19th century, Samuel Yarnell (1819-1892) was an American businessman and philanthropist from Philadelphia. He made significant contributions to educational institutions and charitable organizations in the city.

Lastly, Albert Yarnell (1867-1935) was a renowned American architect known for designing several notable buildings in the Los Angeles area, including the Los Angeles City Hall and the Griffith Observatory.

Throughout history, variations of the Yarnell surname have been associated with various locations and place names, such as Yarnfield, Yarnbury, and Yarnton, further reinforcing its locational origins and connections to specific geographic areas.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Yarnell families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Yarnell 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. Lincolnshire leads with 57 Yarnells recorded in 1881 and an index of 20.30x.

County Total Index
Lincolnshire 57 20.30x
Nottinghamshire 19 8.03x
Yorkshire 18 1.03x
Middlesex 13 0.74x
Sussex 13 4.39x
Warwickshire 13 2.94x
Denbighshire 8 12.06x
Leicestershire 8 4.11x
Flintshire 7 14.83x
Durham 6 1.15x
Cheshire 3 0.77x
Somerset 3 1.06x
Staffordshire 3 0.51x
Worcestershire 3 1.31x
Derbyshire 2 0.73x
Gloucestershire 1 0.29x
Lanarkshire 1 0.18x
Northamptonshire 1 0.61x
Surrey 1 0.12x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Brighton in Sussex leads with 11 Yarnells recorded in 1881 and an index of 18.42x.

Place Total Index
Brighton 11 18.42x
St Botolph Lincoln 9 445.54x
Aston 8 6.56x
Bracebridge 8 625.00x
Desford 8 1481.48x
Snenton 8 86.02x
Brightside Bierlow 7 20.52x
Holywell 7 118.04x
Llanfwrog 7 864.20x
Mile End Old Town 7 25.26x
Ormesby 7 149.57x
Nottingham St Mary 6 9.80x
Birmingham 5 3.39x
Helmington Row 5 205.76x
Southwell 5 290.70x
Wainfleet St Mary 5 1190.48x
Gainsborough 4 60.42x
Navenby 4 689.66x
Nocton 4 1052.63x
Altrincham 3 44.31x
Belchford 3 1034.48x
Doncaster 3 23.60x
Friskney 3 337.08x
Islington London 3 1.76x
St Michael Lincoln 3 394.74x
Bromsgrove 2 25.91x
Chesterfield 2 19.42x
Fulletby 2 1333.33x
Kirkby Green 2 2857.14x
Litton 2 1538.46x
South Bersted 2 79.37x
St Pancras London 2 1.42x
Tipton 2 11.02x
Aisthorpe 1 1428.57x
Ashchurch 1 250.00x
Bishop Norton 1 476.19x
Broughton 1 38.31x
Elvet 1 26.53x
Fillingham 1 555.56x
Govan 1 0.71x
Great Grimsby 1 5.61x
Horncastle 1 34.48x
Horsington 1 454.55x
Kidderminster Borough 1 7.45x
Middlesbrough 1 4.41x
Potterspury 1 151.52x
Putney 1 12.50x
Snitterby 1 588.24x
South Common Lincoln 1 666.67x
St Peterin Eastgate 1 114.94x
Wednesbury 1 6.75x
Wells St Cuthbert 1 51.81x
Willesden 1 6.04x
Woodhall 1 588.24x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 18
Sarah 7
Eliza 6
Ann 5
Annie 4
Elizabeth 4
Ellen 4
Hannah 4
Alice 3
Emma 3
Margaret 3
Maria 3
Clara 2
Florence 2
Letitia 2
Lucy 2
Matilda 2
Minnie 2
Ada 1
Charlotte 1
Edith 1
Emily 1
Ethel 1
Henrietta 1
Isabella 1
Jane 1
Julia 1
Louisa 1
May 1
Rebecca 1
Sarahann 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 13
William 11
Charles 8
Thomas 8
Edward 6
George 4
James 4
Joseph 4
Herbert 2
Richard 2
Robert 2
Andrew 1
Arthur 1
Edwd. 1
Edwin 1
Emanuel 1
Ernest 1
Francis 1
Frank 1
Fred 1
Frederick 1
Fredrick 1
Gregory 1
Harold 1
Henry 1
Josiah 1
M. 1
Matthew 1
Merslar 1
Reuben 1
Robt. 1
Robt.A. 1
Tom 1
W.B. 1
Wilfrid 1
Wm. 1
Wm.Hy. 1

FAQ

Yarnell surname: questions and answers

How common was the Yarnell surname in 1881?

In 1881, 179 people were recorded with the Yarnell surname. That placed it at #13,787 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Yarnell surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 294 in 2016. That gives Yarnell a modern rank of #14,953.

What does the Yarnell surname mean?

A habitational surname derived from a place name meaning "eagle hill" in Old English.

What does the Yarnell map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Yarnell 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.