Origin & Meaning of the Young Surname
What does the last name Young mean?
The surname Young carries the meaning "Nickname for the younger of two bearers of the same name." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 484,447 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Young ranks as the #32 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Young come from?
The Young surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Young name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Young trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Young |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Nickname for the younger of two bearers of the same name |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #32 |
| US Count (2010) | 484,447 |
| Per 100K People | 164.23 |
| First Letter | Y |
Ethnic Distribution of Young
According to the US Census, the Young surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 484,447 Americans with the Young last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 66.26% |
| Black | 24.67% |
| Hispanic | 2.58% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 3.03% |
| Native American | 0.79% |
| Two or More Races | 2.66% |
Popularity of Young Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Young surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Young surname increased by 18,499 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Young Ancestry
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The Complete Story of the Young Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Young
- ✓ The Young coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Young families live today
- ✓ Notable Young bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Young
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Young.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Young.
Frequently Asked Questions About Young
Top Surnames Starting with Y
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter Y, ranked by population.
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