Recorded in church registers as Yeend, Yend, Yound, Yond as well as Ind and Jond, this is apparently an English medieval surname, and one of truly ancient origins. However spelt it is rare, and there does not appear to be any obvious explanation for its origin. Furthermore it does not seem to be recorded in any of the published dictionaries of British surnames, some dating back to the 17th century when interest in "names" began. We suspect that it is residential, and that it described approximately where a person or family lived. The most obvious manifestations of this type of surname were North, South, East and West, as well as less obvious ones such as Atlee or Atley, meaning "at the clearing". In this case we think that the derivation is from the Old English or Friesian word "geond" meaning "over there, but within sight". Of course there may be other explanations but ancient times were simple times. Populations were small, and accurate descriptions of residence, not required. As to when the surname was first recorded would require us to know precisely where it originated from, and this we do not have. Certainly it was recorded in the city of London in the time of King Charles 11nd (1660 - 1685), but clearly it existed elsewhere probably by at least three centuries. The first London recording may be that of Anne Yeand who married John Terrell or Tirrel at St Brides Fleet Street, on May 30th 1663, whilst Joseph Yeend was a christening witness at the famous church of St Mary le bone, on August 29th 1784.

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