York

English
"from the yew estate"

York Origin and Meaning

The name York is a boy's name of English origin meaning "from the yew estate".

Brisk, preppy York is an underused classic with the potential to really shine in the 21st century. It's most familiar as a place name — York is a city in England — and surname. New York City and State were named after the Duke of York.

The most notable York in history was an enslaved man who was the only Black member of Lewis and Clark's expedition. York was a key member of the journey, skilled in hunting, medicine, and other survival skills. He was also invaluable in Native American diplomacy. At the end of the expedition, Clark denied York's freedom and instead sold him black into slavery.

Despite the sad ending to York's story, he is an American hero with a name worthy of consideration.

# 780 in the US

York Rank in US Top 1000

York Popularity

Famous People Named York

  • York
    American explorer, member of the Lewis and Clark expedition
  • York Banks Asla
    son of model and TV personality Tyra Banks
  • Lucas York Black
    American actor
  • Taylor Benjamin York
    guitarist in American rock band Paramore
  • Dick York
    American actor
  • Michael York
    English actor
  • Alvin York
    one of the most decorated American soldiers in WWI
  • The Duke of York
    British royal title

York in Pop Culture

  • Charlotte York
    character on "Sex and the City"
  • Agent York
    freelancer in web series "Red vs. Blue"
  • Alvin York
    eponymous character in the film "Sergeant York"
  • Vossler York Azelas
    character in video game "Final Fantasy XII"
  • York Silk
    character from the video game 'Blaseball'
  • York Peppermint Patty
    chocolate mint candy
  • York
    England
  • New York State
    USA
  • New York City
    N.Y.

York in Nameberry Blog Posts