York Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname York come from? What does the surname York mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name York and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname York Origin: What does the last name York mean?
The surname York has a rich history dating back to the early 12th century in the United Kingdom, according to YourRoots data. It is believed to have originated as a locational surname, indicating a connection to the city of York. Over the centuries, the York surname spread to the United States, signifying a transatlantic migration of families bearing this name.
YourRoots data further reveals that the York surname grew significantly in the United States by the 16th century, surpassing its prevalence in the United Kingdom. This trend continued into subsequent centuries, with the surname establishing a prominent presence not only in the US and the UK but also in other regions worldwide. Today, the York surname remains a testament to a diverse global heritage, with individuals bearing this name found in various countries across the world.
York Last Name History: Where did the last name York come from?
Origin of York Surname: Where does the last name York originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname York first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 12th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “York” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name York: What does the York surname history look like in the early days?
The “York” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 12th through the 15th century. YourRoots data also shows York family records in the United States, indicating a transatlantic spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the York surname today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records with the York surname grew significantly in the United States. By the early 17th century, it had surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. The “York” surname remains prominent in the United States and other regions worldwide. While the bulk of records are found in the United States and the United Kingdom, the York surname appears in other regions globally.
Explore York last name heritage and York surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With York Surame?
Dick York
Richard Allen York (Sep 4, 1928 – Feb 20, 1992) was an American actor best known for his role as Darrin Stephens in the sitcom Bewitched. Despite a back injury that affected his career, he starred in Inherit the Wind and other TV series before retiring in the mid-1980s. York's talent and charm left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
King of New York
King of New York (September 28, 1990) is a neo-noir crime film directed by Abel Ferrara, starring Christopher Walken as Frank White, a New York City drug kingpin. After his release from prison, White aims to rebuild his criminal empire while also trying to go legitimate. The film received mixed reviews upon release but has since been praised as one of Ferrara's best works. With a star-studded cast including Laurence Fishburne, Wesley Snipes, and Steve Buscemi, King of New York remains a cult classic in the crime genre.
Dwight York
Dwight D. York (June 26, 1945 - ) is an American cult leader, criminal, and convicted child molester, known for founding black Muslim groups like the Nuwaubian Nation. York's ideologies mixed elements of Islam, Judaism, and black nationalism, creating a controversial movement that led to his arrest and conviction in 2004. Despite his criminal activities, York built a following in Brooklyn, New York, before relocating to Georgia. His case remains one of the largest prosecutions for child molestation in U.S. history, with York serving a 135-year sentence. York's complex background and criminal history have sparked debates about the influence of charismatic leaders in fringe religious movements.
House of York
The House of York (House of Plantagenet) was a prominent English royal family in the late 15th century. Three members, including Edward and Richard, became kings of England. They claimed the English crown through their descent from Edward III and had a superior claim to the throne compared to the House of Lancaster. The dynasty ended with Richard III's defeat at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. Their lineage intertwined with other noble families, making them a significant force in English history during the Wars of the Roses.
Taylor York
Taylor Benjamin York (born Dec 17, 1989) is an American musician known for being the lead guitarist of the rock band Paramore. Alongside Hayley Williams, he won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 2015. York has been an integral part of Paramore's success, contributing to albums like "Riot!" and "After Laughter". Apart from his musical talent, York has also been praised for his role in supporting bandmate Williams during challenging times, helping to keep Paramore together. With a passion for artists like Radiohead and Fleetwood Mac, York continues to inspire fans with his creativity and dedication to music.
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