What does the baby name Yankee mean? Learn about what Yankee means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
Yankee - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
The etymology of the name 'Yankee' is uncertain. It is thought to have originated from the Dutch name 'Janke' or 'Jan Kees', which were common names for the Dutch settlers in New York. The term may have later been anglicized to 'Yankee' by the British. Another theory suggests that 'Yankee' is a corruption of the Native American word 'eankke', meaning 'silent' or 'reserved. '
The term 'Yankee' has significant cultural connotations in the United States. It is often used to refer to people from the northern states, particularly those from New England. 'Yankee' is associated with values such as independence, resourcefulness, and ingenuity. It has become a symbol of American identity and is sometimes used as a patriotic nickname.