Yea History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Yea

What does the name Yea mean?

The Yea 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 Yea family

The surname Yea 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 Yea family

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

Yea Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Yea family

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

Migration of the Yea 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 Yea (post 1700) +

Lacy Walter Giles Yea (1808-1855), British colonel, born in Park Row, Bristol, on 20 May 1808, the eldest son of Sir William Walter Yea, second Baronet, of Pyrland, near Taunton, Somerset

Sources +

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