Yoder Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Yoder come from? What does the surname Yoder mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Yoder and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Yoder Origin: What does the last name Yoder mean?
The surname Yoder has Swiss German origins, with the original spelling being Joder. It dates back to at least 1260 and is believed to be a shortened version of the name Theodore. The Yoder family is associated with the Canton of Bern in Switzerland, with the name originating from the natural hill Jodershubel. Yoders were part of a German migration to America between 1650 and 1730, settling primarily in southeastern Pennsylvania. Today, the Yoder surname is common among the Amish and Mennonites, reflecting their Swiss German heritage and religious background.
YourRoots data indicates that the surname Yoder first appeared in records from Switzerland in the early 16th century. Over the centuries, the Yoder surname saw significant growth in the United States, Germany, and France. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Yoder surname grew significantly in the United States, with prominent presence in countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Canada. The global spread of the Yoder surname showcases its enduring legacy and widespread presence in various countries around the world.
Yoder Last Name History: Where did the last name Yoder come from?
Origin of Yoder Surname: Where does the last name Yoder originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Yoder first appeared in records from Switzerland around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Yoder spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Yoder: What does the Yoder surname history look like in the early days?
The Yoder surname remained closely associated with Switzerland in the 16th century and then saw significant growth in the United States from the 18th century onwards. YourRoots data also shows Yoder family records in countries like Germany and France, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Yoder surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Yoder surname grew significantly in the United States. The Yoder surname remains prominent in the United States, followed by countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Canada. It appears in many countries, including Australia, Brazil, and South Africa.
Explore Yoder last name heritage and Yoder surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Yoder Surame?
Presley Norton Yoder
Presley Norton Yoder (Feb 26, 1932 – May 8, 1993) was an Ecuadorian archeologist and entrepreneur known for his excavations in Guayas, Ecuador, uncovering artifacts from the Machalilla and Valdivia cultures. Born in Guayaquil to a prominent family, he inherited wealth, served in the American army, and founded TV channels in Ecuador. Yoder published numerous works on prehistoric Ecuador, exploring topics like trade networks and domesticated animals. His legacy as a scholar and businessman continues to influence the field of archaeology in Ecuador.
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