Young Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Young come from? What does the surname Young mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Young and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Young Origin: What does the last name Young mean?
The surname Young has diverse origins, with roots in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. In England, it comes from the Middle English yunge or yonge, often used to distinguish a younger son in a family. In Ireland, Young can be a translation of the Gaelic Ó hÓgáin, meaning "descendant of Ógáin," or an anglicized form of Hogan. In Scotland, Young could derive from the Gaelic MacEóin, meaning "John." The surname is also found in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and France, and can be linked to Chinese or Korean surnames like Yang or Yong.
According to YourRoots data, the Young surname has a long history, with records dating back to the 13th century in the United Kingdom. It saw significant growth in the United States from the 17th century onwards and has since spread globally. Today, Young can be found in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland, reflecting its widespread presence across continents and cultures.
Young Last Name History: Where did the last name Young come from?
Origin: Where can we find the oldest Young surname record?
Based on the YourRoots database, the earliest known record of the surname Young is traced back to England (United Kingdom) around the start of the 13th century. This information pertains specifically to the exact spelling "Young" in the YourRoots system and does not account for variations of the surname or data from other sources.
Early Growth: Where did the Young surname start growing?
From the 13th through the 15th century, the surname "Young" was primarily associated with the United Kingdom, according to YourRoots data. The frequency of the Young surname began to increase notably in the United States around the 17th century and continued to grow into the 18th and 19th centuries, indicating its broader dissemination across continents over time. During this period, the Young surname also appeared in several other countries, reflecting its expansion beyond the United Kingdom and the United States.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Young surname today?
Although the Young surname originated in the United Kingdom, by the 16th century, an evident increase in the volume of records can be seen in the United States. This trend continued into the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, with the frequency of the Young surname surpassing that of the United Kingdom. Presently, the "Young" surname is not only common in the United States and the United Kingdom but is also found in numerous other countries worldwide. It has a global presence, with records in places such as Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and several others, according to the latest data from YourRoots.
Explore Young last name heritage and Young surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME YOUNG
Famous People With Young Surame?
Neil Young
Neil Percival Young (born November 12, 1945) is a Canadian and American singer-songwriter known for his deeply personal lyrics, high tenor voice, and iconic guitar work. From his early days with Buffalo Springfield to his solo career with hits like "Heart of Gold" and "Rockin' in the Free World," Young has left a lasting impact on the music industry. His genre-defying music blends folk, rock, and country, earning him the nickname "Godfather of Grunge." With multiple Grammy and Juno Awards, Young's influence on rock music is undeniable.
Sean Young
Mary Sean Young (born Nov 20, 1959) is an American actress known for her roles in science fiction films like Blade Runner and Dune. She has also appeared in comedies like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and dramas such as Wall Street. Young began her career as a model and ballet dancer before transitioning into acting. Despite some setbacks in her career, she continues to work in independent films and television, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Young's dedication to her craft and willingness to take on diverse roles have solidified her status as a respected and enduring figure in the entertainment industry.
Angus Young
Angus McKinnon Young (born Mar 31, 1955) is an Australian musician best known as the co-founder, lead guitarist, and songwriter of the iconic hard rock band AC/DC. He is known for his high-energy performances, schoolboy uniform stage outfits, and his own version of Chuck Berry's duckwalk. Young was ranked 38th on Rolling Stone's list of the greatest guitarists of all time. With a career spanning decades, Young's influence on rock music is undeniable.
Brigham Young
Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was an American religious leader and politician. He was the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1847 until his death in 1877. Young led the Mormon exodus to Utah, where he established Salt Lake City and the State of Deseret. He had a significant impact on the American West, founding schools like the University of Utah and Brigham Young University. Young's legacy includes numerous memorials and temples named in his honor. He was known for his polygamous relationships, with 56 wives and 57 children.
Jesse Colin Young
Jesse Colin Young (November 22, 1941 – March 16, 2025) was an American singer and songwriter known for being the lead singer of the 1960s group the Youngbloods. After the group disbanded in 1972, Young pursued a successful solo career, releasing albums like "Song for Juli" and "Songbird." He continued to release music through various record labels before starting his own label, Ridgetop Music. Young's song "Sunlight" was covered by Three Dog Night and "Darkness, Darkness" by Robert Plant, earning him critical acclaim. Despite battling chronic Lyme disease, Young made a comeback in 2016 with his son, releasing the album "Dreamers" in 2019 through BMG.
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