Yonkers is a Dutch surname representing the Americanized spelling of Jonkers, which itself is a patronymic form of Jonker. The root name Jonker derives from the Dutch title jonkheer meaning "young lord", a medieval noble designation for a young nobleman.EtymologyThe name originates from the Low Countries, where the title jonkheer was used for young nobility (often untitled younger sons). As a patronymic surname, Jonkers indicates "son of Jonker" and the variant root Jonckers is a phonetic variant. After migrating to America, many Dutch descendants anglicized their surnames; Yonkers is one such adaptation, reflecting an English-influenced pronunciation of Jonkers.Notable Bearers and Place NameThe most famous bearer is the city of Yonkers, New York, which was named after either Adriaen van der Donck (often called de Jonkheer, "the young lord") or early settler Jan Yonkers (a variant spelling of the surname). Yonkers is the third most populous city in New York state, with over 211,000 residents, and is a northern suburb of New York City. The surname has also spread within the United States, particularly among families of Dutch heritage.Variants and Related NamesRelated variants include De Jonker (meaning "the young lord"), Jonckers, Jonker, Jonkers, and Jonkheer (the original title). Each preserves the noble root jonk- referring to youthful nobility.Meaning: "Young lord" (from Dutch jonkheer)Origin: DutchType: Patronymic surnameUsage regions: Netherlands, United States (esp. New York)