Yocum

Patronymic

Meaning

Derived from the given name Joachim, with the diminutive suffix -um.

Etymology

The surname originates from the German personal name Joachim, which comes from Hebrew Yehoyakim meaning 'God will establish.' The Palatinate German dialect added the diminutive suffix -um to create Yocum, a common practice among German-speaking communities.

About the Yocum Surname

A surname associated with Pennsylvania Dutch and Mennonite heritage, reflecting the German-speaking immigrant communities of colonial America. The name appears predominantly in religious communities that maintained German language and traditions.

Distribution

Primarily found in Pennsylvania and surrounding Mid-Atlantic states among Mennonite and Amish communities.

Notable Bearers

Limited historical records; primarily family genealogy

People with the Yocum Surname

S.H. Yocum

Hon.