Surname Yemm - Meaning and Origin

Yemm: What does the surname Yemm mean?

The last name Yemm is of English origin. It is believed to have originated as a diminutive of Yemme, which is an old English occupational name for a tailor or seamstress. Yemme or Yemm was also an old English word used to describe a flat piece of cloth.

Over time, usage of Yemme and Yemm evolved and the surname became settled in certain English counties, such as in Herefordshire. It is primarily used as a surname in these counties and is occasionally found elsewhere.

Throughout the 19th century, Yemm was a popular surname, especially in Herefordshire. However, due to relocation and migration, the Yemm surname has spread across other areas of the British Isles such as Wales, Cornwall and Ireland.

The Yemm surname is more than likely derived from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘the yemme,’ which was a flat piece of cloth used to make garments. It is likely, then, that the original ancestors of the Yemm family were tailors or seamstresses.

Despite its location and spread throughout the British Isles, the Yemm surname is still relatively uncommon, particularly outside of Herefordshire. Its origin is a reminder of an age gone by and of humble beginnings.

Yemm: Where does the name Yemm come from?

The last name Yemm is most commonly found in Australia today, primarily in New South Wales. The Yemm name traces its origins to the Ancient Britons who occupied the south of Britain in pre-historic times. The name is derived from the Old English words, “yamma” or “yemme,” which mean “to rise.” Today, the Yemm name is found throughout Australia’s eastern coast, where many of the descendants of the Ancient Britons now live.

The Yemm name first appeared in Australia in the 19th century when the first settlers arrived from the British Isles. As these settlers established communities throughout the eastern part of the country, the Yemm name was spread throughout these communities and has since become much more common. Today, the Yemm family is well-known for their involvement in business, politics, and community services throughout Australia.

Although the Yemm name is most commonly found in New South Wales, the name has begun to spread elsewhere, such as in Victoria and Queens Land. In recent years, the Yemm name has also become more common in the United States and Canada, where descendant’s of 19th century Yemm immigrants have settled.

In 2020, the Yemm name is still present in many of Australia’s rural communities, and is slowly becoming more widespread throughout the modern world.

Variations of the surname Yemm

The surname Yemm is rarely found in use, however when it is used, it is typically spelled with only one 'm'. Variations on the spelling of the surname Yemm include Yem, Yemme, Yemmes, Yems, Yems, Yemms and Yeam.

Surnames derived from the Yemm family name include Yem, Yems and Yemmes. These surnames are not often found in use, however they are in some cases derived from Yemm. Yems is the most common variant of the surname Yemm and is generally found in the US. The comma after Yems is sometimes dropped, forming Yems.

The name Yemm or its variants can be found in Cornwall, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

In some cases, Yemm can be shortened to Yem. This shortened form can be derived from Yemme, which is a variant of Yemm, or from Yemmes, a variant of Yemm. In some parts of the US, the shortened form Yem is fairly common.

In Ireland, the variants Yem and Yemme are occasionally found in use. Both spellings are derived from Yemm and can be used interchangeably.

Yeam is a rare variation of the surname Yemm found in some parts of the US. Yeam is not often found in use, however it is occasionally seen in very small numbers.

Yemms is a rare variation of Yemm. The surname Yemms is sometimes found in the US, but is rarely seen in use.

Overall, the surname Yemm is rare and has few variations or spellings.

Famous people with the name Yemm

• Chad Yemm: Professional American soccer player
• Darren Yemm: British singer-songwriter, radio and television presenter
• Kelly Yemm: Canadian singer-songwriter
• Nathan Yemm: British actor, best known for his work on The Curse of Steptoe
• Richard Yemm: Actor, best known for his work in the television series Boon
• Robert Yemm: British sculptor
• Tanya Yemm: Canadian author
• Theodore Yemm: British actor and director, best known for his work on the show Nice World
• Thomas Yemm: Actor, best known for roles in British television shows including Upstairs Downstairs and The Bill
• Wendy Yemm: British television presenter, best known for presenting The Word and faith & spirituality documentaries

Other surnames

Yemen