First found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the year 1379 when Johannes Yarker held estates in that shire.

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More about the Yerkes History...

Please remember that this page is only a small extract of our complete history that includes:

• Ancient origin of the name (usually pre-1100)
• Known spelling variations
• Early movement of the family name during the Middle Ages
• Noteworthy bearers from the 1500-1600s
• First settlers to North America
• Notable contemporary bearers of the name
• A description and/or full color picture of the Coat of Arms, Crest, and Motto (where available)

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Edward Yarke, who arrived in Virginia in 1635; ??? Yarker, who arrived in Quebec in 1814; William Yarker, who was recorded in the census of Ontario of 1871.

Motto Translated: The end crowns the works.

For more information on the last name Yerkes, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.