Yip
A surname most often associated with Cantonese Chinese names, commonly reflecting a romanized Chinese family name rather than an English occupational or place-name origin.
The #5,602 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 49,733 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Yip is usually a romanized form of a Chinese surname written in characters that are pronounced in Cantonese with an initial sound like "yip" or "yeep." In many families it corresponds to the Mandarin surname Ye, though the exact Chinese character can vary by line and region. As an English-language spelling, it reflects Cantonese-style transcription rather than an original English surname root.
History
The surname is found especially in Chinese diaspora communities, including Hong Kong, southern China, and overseas populations in North America and other English-speaking regions. Different romanization systems can produce several spellings from the same Chinese surname, so families with similar-looking names may not all share the same exact Chinese character. In the United States it is relatively uncommon but recognizable as a Chinese surname.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Because Chinese surnames are often romanized by pronunciation, the same family name may appear as Yip, Ip, or Ye depending on dialect and spelling system.
From the historical record
“detained in England. To the latter sti])ulatlon particularly Henry gave his solemn oath. \Fir,{- cra, vol. i. yip. 713, 714.] Thus secured, Alexander, attended by a large concourse of the nobility, proceeded, In October 1260, to the court of England. The young queen followed him by slow stages, and on her approach”
— The Scottish Nation; or, the surnames, families ... of the people of Scotland, vol. 1