Yager History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsIn the ancient German province of Westphalia, the surname Yager evolved. It is a nickname, a style of hereditary surname that developed out of the traditional German eke-names, that identified people by naming them after a physical characteristic or other identifiable trait. Yager is a name for a person who was known for his prowess and wisdom as a hunter. The name Yager is derived from the German word "jage," which is derived from Old German word "jagen," which means "to hunt." Hunting was considered a knightly pursuit during the feudal era. Early Origins of the Yager familyThe surname Yager was first found in the county of Mark (Dortmund,) where the family was anciently associated with the political and religious conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. The family founded numerous branches, many of which acquired manors and estates in surrounding regions, where they contributed to the prosperity of their society. Ancient chronicles first mention a branch of the family acquiring the estates of Kaackstedt and Ringenwalde in the district of Templin around 1376, and the estate of Zehlendorf in the district of Nieder-Barnim, around 1451. Venator, the Latin form of the name, often appears in chronicles in place of Jaeger. Early History of the Yager familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Yager research. Another 336 words (24 lines of text) covering the years 1678, 1698, 1771, 1780 and 1843 are included under the topic Early Yager History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Yager Spelling VariationsOne can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Yager include Jaeger, Jeger, Jager, Jaegger, Jegger, Jagger, Jaegers, Jagers, Jaggers, Jaeggers and many more. Early Notables of the Yager familyNotables of the period with the name Yager were Heinrich Christroph Jaeger, who was a professor of law in Passau and Privy Councillor and royal advisor to the Prince... Yager RankingIn the United States, the name Yager is the 5,212nd most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 1
Many Germans emigrated across the Atlantic to seek better lives in North America. This great migration began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century. Resettlement was particularly attractive to those from Westphalia as a means of escape from poverty and religious persecution. For many Westphalian farmers, the chance to own one's own land was also a major incentive. The process of the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlements centered around Ontario and the Prairie provinces. Among them: Yager Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Yager Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Yager Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
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