Show ContentsYoung History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Young Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Young

What does the name Young mean?

The ancestral home of the Young family is in the German province of Bavaria. Young is a German nickname surname. Such names came from eke-names, or added names, that described their initial bearer through reference to a physical characteristic or other attribute. Young is a name for a young person or the junior member of a family or community, being derived from the German word "jung," which means "young" as in "young man."

The root name Jüngling is typically Anglicized as Juengling, Jungling, Yuengling, Yungling, and Yingling.

Early Origins of the Young family

The surname Young was first found in Bavaria, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times. Always prominent in social affairs, the name became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the Feudal System and the nation. The name "Jung" (English: Young) had the original meaning of "junior," an addition to a name which would reflect the bearer's status or age, as well as distinguish him or her from the father, or "senior."

Early History of the Young family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Young research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1740 and 1817 are included under the topic Early Young History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Young Spelling Variations

In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Young include Jung, Juenger, Jungg, Junge, Jungge, Jungher, Jungblut, Jungbauer, June, Deyoung, Young, Jungbluth, Jungblud, Deshong, Jonker, Junker, Jungling, Jüngling and many more.

Early Notables of the Young family

More information is included under the topic Early Young Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Young World Ranking

the United States, the name Young is the 28th most popular surname with an estimated 479,991 people with that name. 1 However, in Canada, the name Young is ranked the 24th most popular surname with an estimated 53,994 people with that name. 2 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Young is the 710th popular surname. 3 Newfoundland, Canada ranks Young as 10th with 1,003 people. 4 Australia ranks Young as 16th with 54,684 people. 5 New Zealand ranks Young as 9th with 6,887 people. 6 The United Kingdom ranks Young as 40th with 91,634 people. 7 South Africa ranks Young as 710th with 9,604 people. 8

Young migration to the United States +

The great European flow of migration to North America, which began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century, was particularly attractive to those from Bavaria who wished to escape either poverty or religious persecution. For many Bavarian tenant farmers, the chance to own their own land was a major incentive. So the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlement centered in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were:

Young Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Anthony Young, who landed in Virginia in 1619 10
  • Richard Young and his wife, who settled in Virginia in 1623
  • Miss Susan Young, aged 12, who arrived in Virginia in 1624 aboard the ship "Swan" 11
  • Jane Young, who landed in New England in 1634 10
  • Joseph and Margaret Young, who immigrated to New England with their two sons in 1635
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Young Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Nicho Young, who landed in Virginia in 1701 10
  • Alexander Young, who arrived in Virginia in 1702 10
  • Eliz Young, who landed in Virginia in 1704 10
  • Alex Young, who arrived in Virginia in 1706 10
  • Anne Young, who arrived in Virginia in 1714 10
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Young Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • John Tatem Young, who arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in 1802 10
  • Robert Young, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1802 10
  • Alexander Young, aged 18, who landed in New York, NY in 1803 10
  • James Young, aged 21, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1804 10
  • Isaiah Young, aged 28, who arrived in New York, NY in 1804 10
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Young migration to Canada +

Young Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Robert Young, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • John Young, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Andreas Young, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749-1752
  • George Young, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • William Young, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Young Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • John Young, who arrived in Canada in 1821
  • David Young, who arrived in Quebec in 1821
  • Harriet Young, aged 3, who landed in Canada in 1823
  • John Young, aged 41, who landed in Canada in 1823
  • Dorah Young, aged 15, who arrived in Canada in 1823
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Young Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
  • A Young, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Young migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet
  • Miss Ann Young, British settler convicted in Northumberland, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing clothes, transported aboard the ship "Lady Juliana" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 9
  • Miss Sarah Young, (b. 1769), aged 18, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for shop lifting, transported aboard the ship "Lady Juliana" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 10
  • Mr. John Young, British settler convicted at Middlesex, England in 1788, sentenced to Life for theft, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 10
  • Mr. Michael Young, British settler convicted at Middlesex, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for breaking and entering, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 10
  • Miss Sarah Young, (b. 1769), aged 18, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for shop lifting, transported aboard the ship "Lady Juliana" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 10
Second Fleet
  • Miss Elizabeth Young, (1765 - 1796), aged 25, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing a ring, transported aboard the ship "Mary Ann" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 10
  • Mr. James Young, British settler convicted in Hertfordshire, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Admiral Barrington" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 10
  • Mr. Peter Young, British settler convicted in Cheshire, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Atlantic" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 10
Third Fleet
  • Mr. John Young, (b. 1762), aged 25, English settler convicted in London on 20th October 1784, sentenced for 7 years for stealing clothing, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 10
  • Mr. Simon Young, (b. 1761), aged 26, English settler convicted in London on 21st April 1784, sentenced for 7 years for impersenation, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 10
Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Young Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
Young Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Young migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Young Settlers in New Zealand in the 18th Century
  • Nicholas Young, who landed in New Zealand in 1769 aboard the ship Endeavour
Young Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • George Young, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1830
  • William Young, who landed in Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1836
  • Arthur Young, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1841 aboard the ship Lady Nugent
  • Edward Young, aged 31, a turner, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Gertrude" in 1841 18
  • Caroline Mary Young, aged 27, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Gertrude" in 1841 18
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Young migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 19
Young Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Mr. John Young, aged 19, British settler travelling from Gravesend, UK aboard the ship "Hopewell" arriving in Barbados on 17th February 1634 10
  • William Young, aged 21, who landed in Barbados in 1635 10
  • Mr. Harford Young, (b. 1615), aged 20, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Anne and Elizabeth" arriving in Barbados in 1635 20
  • Mr. William Young, (b. 1614), aged 21, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Alexander" arriving in Barbados in 1635 21
  • Mr. Andrew Young, (b. 1595), aged 40, British settler traveling aboard the ship "William and John" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 22

Contemporary Notables of the name Young (post 1700) +

  • Neil Percival Young OC, OM (b. 1945), Canadian singer, songwriter, and guitarist, twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, known for his work with Buffalo Springfield (1966–1968), Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young (1969–1970) and as a solo artist
  • Johnnie Joseph Young (1938-2025), American politician, member of the Republican Party, served in the South Carolina House of Representatives (1977-1978)
  • David Pollock Young (1936-2025), American poet, translator, editor, literary critic and professor, recipient of awards including NEA and Guggenheim fellowships
  • John Clarke Young (1803-1857), American educator and pastor, 4th President of Centre College in Danville, Kentucky (1830-1857)
  • Alice Holloway Young (1923-2024), American pioneer in education who served as a teacher, advocate, and administrator
  • Captain (USN) John Watts Young (1930-2018), American NASA astronaut with 835 hours in space, Commander of the first shuttle flight, 9th person to walk on the Moon; only person to fly in the Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs 23
  • Charles Edward Young (1931-2023), nicknamed Chuck Young, an American university administrator and professor
  • David Joseph Young (1959-2023), former American football
  • Burt Young (1940-2023), stage name Richard Morea, an American actor, author, and painter who played Rocky Balboa's brother-in-law and best friend Paulie Pennino in the Rocky film series
  • ... (Another 97 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Halifax Explosion
  • Mr. Rufus Charles  Young (1849-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 24
  • Mr. Archibald W  Young (1852-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who survived the Halifax Explosion (1917) but later died due to injuries 25
  • Mr. Richard  Young (1861-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 25
  • Mr. Elmer  Young (1912-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 25
  • Mr. Arthur Henry  Young, Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 25
  • ... (Another 34 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Suggested Readings for the name Young +

  • Biographical Dictionary of the Youngs (born 1653-1870) by Louise Ryder Young.
  • Descendants of Jacob Young of Shelby County, Kentucky, Including President Harry S. Truman by Elsie Spry Davis.
  • Genealogy and Letters of the Strudwick, Ashe, Young and Allied Families by Betsy Lawson Willis.
  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  3. "The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec
  4. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  5. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  6. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  7. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  8. "Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
  9. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
  10. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  11. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  12. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-spencer
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 1st March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
  17. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 10th February 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/eliza
  18. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 12th December 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  19. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  20. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's. Retrieved 23rd September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  21. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 28th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  22. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  23. NASA Astronauts Homepage. (Retrieved 2010, September 27) John Young. Retrieved from http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/young.html
  24. Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance

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