Show ContentsYeoh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Yeoh surname comes from the Old English word "ea," or "yo," in Somerset and Devon dialects, which meant "river" or "stream." It was likely originally a topographic name for someone who lived near a stream.

Early Origins of the Yeoh family

The surname Yeoh was first found in Devon where they held a family seat from very ancient times, at Hempton Sachville. "Tre-Yeo [in the parish of Launcells, Cornwall] was an ancient seat belonging to the family of Yeo." 1

Early History of the Yeoh family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Yeoh research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1120 is included under the topic Early Yeoh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Yeoh Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Yeo, Yeoh, Yea, Yeoman, Attyea and others.

Early Notables of the Yeoh family

More information is included under the topic Early Yeoh Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Yeoh family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Alan Yeo, who settled in Salem Massachusetts in 1630; John Yeo settled in Virginia in 1654 with Prudence; Hugh and Clare Yeo settled in Virginia in 1653.


Contemporary Notables of the name Yeoh (post 1700) +

  • Michelle Yeoh (b. 1962), Malaysian actress, Academy Award winner, Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award nominee known for her roles in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)


  1. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print


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