Surname Young - Meaning and Origin
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Investigating My Ancestry: My iGENEA DNA Test Experience and Discoveries Surrounding the Young Surname
Embark on my journey on undertaking the iGENEA DNA test, the enlightening discoveries about my surname Young, and making exciting connections with other Youngs globally. This adventurous experience gives an intricate and insightful understanding of one's deep-rooted ancestry, bridging the past, present, and future.
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read moreYoung: What does the surname Young mean?
The last name Young is of English and Scottish origin and implies exactly what it sounds like - "the young one." It was often used as a descriptive nickname to differentiate between two people of the same name, usually a father and son. The younger of the two would be labeled as "Young" to indicate his junior status. The surname Young could also be used to denote someone who was young at heart, or youthful in their demeanor or appearance. It is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century word 'geong', which means young or younger. It was first recorded as a surname in England in the 14th Century. Variations of the name can be found in several cultures and regions, such as 'Jung' in Germany and 'De Jong' in the Netherlands. Today, Young is a common surname in English-speaking countries.
Order DNA origin analysisYoung: Where does the name Young come from?
The last name Young is a very common name across the world. It is most commonly found in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also found in countries of the British Isles.
In the United States, Young is the 24th most common surname, with over 1.4 million individuals claiming that surname. It is especially popular in the Southern United States, particularly in the states of Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi. The last name Young is also common in Canada, appearing as the 31st most common surname there.
In Western Europe, the name appears as a common surname in Germany, Switzerland, and France. In Australia and New Zealand, Young is a popular last name, appearing in the top 20 in both countries, and is also the 7th most common name in Scotland.
In England, the last name Young appears as a middle or upper-class surname, often taken on by those who had ancestry from the United States or Scotland, or those who were descendants of nobility.
Overall, the last name Young is a very common name in English-speaking countries, though it may take on different contexts in different countries.
Variations of the surname Young
The surname Young can be spelled in multiple ways, including Young, Yung, Yonge, and Yong. Each of these variations can appear in different cultures and languages, though all of them are ultimately derived from the Old English word “geong.” This root word was used to refer to a young person, making it an occupational name for people involved in activities associated with youth, such as instruction or apprenticeship. Over time, it converted into different spellings and changed with language and dialects in different cultures.
The surname Young may sometimes be written as Yung, originally derived from the Scots language. The Scottish variant follows a different spelling pattern, though it bears a similar meaning. The Scottish spelling is sometimes seen in families from the Irish Isles as well.
Alternatively, the extended surname Yonge may sometimes appear as a variant of Young. Yonge is a patronymic variation of the old Germanic personal name “Junghans,” meaning “youngest son.” This variation is derived more directly from the original root word, likely stemming from the migration of Germanic people to Britain centuries ago.
Lastly, the variant Yong can sometimes appear in East Asian cultures, stemming from the Chinese character for “eternal” or “forever.” The Chinese meaning is completely unrelated to the original “geong,” but serves the same purpose of indicating a young person or their family.
The many variations of the Young surname trace back to a single root word that has changed and evolved over time. Different cultures have bestowed new meanings upon the original word, but it all ultimately points back to its original association with youth.
Famous people with the name Young
- Neil Young:Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, and film director
- Lenny Young: Former NFL running back
- Wallace Young: American film actor and screenwriter
- Emma Young: Australian author
- Britainy Young: American dancer, fitness coach, and YouTube star
- Byron Young: British racing driver
- Connie Young Yu: Chinese-American historian and activist
- Anna Young: American indie pop singer-songwriter
- Kyle Young: American professional basketball player
- Ivory Young: African-American civil rights leader and educator
- David Young: Australian actor, singer, and dancer
- Coco Young: American fashion model
- Turk Young: American football player
- Bob Young: Canadian business magnate and philanthropist
- Jordan Young: British businesswoman
- Peggy Young: American television presenter
- Christine Young: Canadian film and television actress
- Rodney Young: American politician
- Chaya Young: South African-born Israeli actress and singer
- John Young: American astronaut and the ninth person to walk on the Moon