"champion, lord"
Origin: Breton/Germanic
Language: Dutch
Yost
Pronunciation: [ y-OHST ]
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Medieval champion's name in one bold syllable
Dutch
German
Flemish
Strong
Rare
European
Surname Style
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The Story of Yost
Yost is the Low German and Dutch form of Jodocus, a medieval Latin name derived from the Breton 'Iodoc,' meaning 'champion' or 'lord.' The name was popularized in medieval Europe through Saint Josse (Jodoc), a legendary Breton prince who renounced his throne to live as a hermit and pilgrim. Through Dutch and Flemish immigration to America, Yost became a distinctive surname and occasionally given name in Pennsylvania Dutch communities.
Yost is primarily known as a Pennsylvania Dutch surname, occasionally revived as a given name by families celebrating their Dutch or Germanic heritage.
Saint Jodocus (Josse) was venerated across medieval Europe from Brittany to Flanders, his pilgrimage story inspiring veneration in numerous chapels bearing his name.
Historical Record
Yost first appeared in US Social Security records in 1975.
Over 10 babies have been named Yost in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Yost is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #40,114 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Jodocus reportedly gave up his right to the Breton throne to become a pilgrim, inspiring shrines across medieval Europe
- Yost is one of the few Germanic names to survive virtually unchanged in Pennsylvania Dutch communities
- The name is related to Joost, which remains popular in the Netherlands today
Yost in Other Languages
Dutch
Joost
Latin
Jodocus
Breton
Iodoc
French
Josse
German
Jost
Popularity Over Time
#40,114
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Yost
M
Mike Yost
Other
1960
The surname Yost is well-established in American culture, particularly among Pennsylvania Dutch descendants
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #40,114
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- Dutch German Flemish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, German heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, German heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Distinctive pick, Dutch heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, German heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Yost
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Yost
Phonetic neighbors that share Yost's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yost
What does the name Yost mean?
"champion, lord" (from Breton/Germanic). Yost is the Low German and Dutch form of Jodocus, a medieval Latin name derived from the Breton 'Iodoc,' meaning 'champion' or 'lord.' The name was popularized in medieval Europe through Saint Josse (Jodoc), a legendary Breton prince who renounced his throne to live as a hermit and pilgrim. Through Dutch and Flemish immigration to America, Yost became a distinctive surname and occasionally given name in Pennsylvania Dutch communities.
What is the origin of the name Yost?
Yost has Breton/Germanic, Dutch, German, and Flemish origins. In Breton/Germanic, it means "champion, lord".
Is Yost a boy or girl name?
Yost is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Yost?
Yost is pronounced y-OHST.
How popular is the name Yost?
Yost is currently ranked #40114 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Yost?
Popular middle name pairings include Yost Willem, Yost Erik, Yost Hans, Yost Karl, and Yost Anton.
What are good sibling names for Yost?
Names that pair well with Yost as siblings include Dirk, Sven, Liesel, and Bram.
How many syllables does Yost have?
Yost has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Yost a common or rare name?
Yost is an uncommon name, ranked #40114 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Yost?
Browse all middle names, sibling names, or similar names.
About the Name Yost
Yost is a boy name with Dutch, German, and Flemish origins . The name means "champion, lord" in Breton/Germanic .
Yost is currently ranked #40,114 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Yost has 1 syllable and is pronounced y-OHST, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Yost include Yosef, Yossi, Yosiah, Yoshua, Yostin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis