Young
Young: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /jʌŋ/
Meaning and origin of Young
- A British distinguishing surname transferred from the nickname for the younger of two people having the same given name.
Etymology
As an English, Scottish, and northern Irish surname, from the adjective young, used to distinguish a younger brother or son. This sense is comparable to the surnames le Yunge, German Jong and Junk, Dutch Jong and de Jongh, French Lejeune and LaJeunesse, assimilated from Dion and Guyon. * As a Chinese surname, from the following: ** Cantonese 楊 /杨 (joeng⁴). Doublet of Yeung. ** Hokkien 楊 /杨 (iông / iâng). Doublet of Yu, Yeo, Yeoh. ** Mandarin 楊 /杨 (yáng). Doublet of Yang.
How popular is Young?
Since 1880, 530 girls and 2,234 boys in the U.S. have been named Young (19% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #2802 in 1952. Its highest rank for boys was #504 in 1880. Fewer than 5 babies per sex were given the name in 2025, so it does not appear in that year's SSA data.
Names similar to Young
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Young
Sister and brother names that share Young's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Young FAQ
What does the name Young mean?
A British distinguishing surname transferred from the nickname for the younger of two people having the same given name. As an English, Scottish, and northern Irish surname, from the adjective young, used to distinguish a younger brother or son. This sense is comparable to the surnames le Yunge, German Jong and Junk, Dutch Jong and de Jongh, French Lejeune and LaJeunesse, assimilated from Dion and Guyon. * As a Chinese surname, from the following: ** Cantonese 楊 /杨 (joeng⁴). Doublet of Yeung. ** Hokkien 楊 /杨 (iông / iâng). Doublet of Yu, Yeo, Yeoh. ** Mandarin 楊 /杨 (yáng). Doublet of Yang.
What is the origin of the name Young?
Young is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Young?
Since 1880, 530 girls and 2,234 boys in the U.S. have been named Young (19% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #2802 in 1952. Its highest rank for boys was #504 in 1880. Fewer than 5 babies per sex were given the name in 2025, so it does not appear in that year's SSA data.
Is Young a boy or girl name?
Young is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (530 girls and 2,234 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.