The Young Last Name

The last name “Young” was the 17th most common surname in Scotland in 2021.  It shares common linguistic and cultural origins with the Younger surname.  However, since the last name “Young” is used more broadly, this blog post will look at its origins, meaning and history as part of my series on Scottish surnames.

The origin of the Young last name

As I have often written, many surnames were introduced by Anglo-Saxon settlers, and “Young” is no different.  It became a common surname in the Scottish Borders and North of England.

What does the surname Young mean?

The surname “Young” comes from the Old English word “geong,” which means “young.”  It was originally a nickname to indicate youth or to differentiate the younger of two individuals with the same name within a family or community.

For example, my husband’s father was known as old John or old Jock and my husband was known as young John when he was growing up.

The history of the Young last name

Earliest records of the name in Scotland include Malmor and Ade Young, who appear in Dumbarton in 1271.  Another example is John Young of Dingwall, who was a witness to a charter by the Earl of Ross in 1342.

The Young families were historically associated with the Border Reivers, known for their raiding and defending activities.  These included cattle rustling, theft, and violent attacks on villages in the Scottish and English borders.  The constant state of war and shifting allegiances between England and Scotland created an environment where law and order were difficult to maintain.  Consequently this allowed the Reivers to thrive.

In fact, Rue Castle, near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders, is the site of a castle once held by the Youngs that was torched by the English in 1513 and 1545.

Interestingly, the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott wrote extensively about the Border Reivers, romanticising their exploits.  For example, he preserved their stories in works such as The Lay of the Last Minstrel,

Is there a Young Clan?

Clan Young is a Scottish clan.  However it does not have a chief currently recognised by the Court of the Lord Lyon (they regulate heraldry in Scotland).  This means that the clan is an armigerous clan.

Young Clan motto

The Young Clan motto is Robore prudentia praestat which means “Prudence Excels Strength.

Young Clan tartan

Variations of the Young last name

In historical records, “Young” and “Younger” were sometimes interchanged.  This can sometimes complicate genealogical research but also highlights the fluidity between the two surnames.

Other Scottish variations include Youngs, Younge, Youngson and Yhung among others.

Famous people with the surname Young

• John Young (c. 1513–1580) – he was a Scottish diplomat who served as an ambassador to England.  He played a crucial role in diplomatic relations between Scotland and England during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots.
• Alexander Young (1913–2006) – Alexander was a celebrated Scottish tenor known for his performances in opera and oratorio.  He had a distinguished career in the UK and internationally, performing with major opera companies and orchestras.
• Neil Young (b. 1945) is a renowned Canadian singer-songwriter and musician, known for his influential work in rock and folk music.
• William Young  (1876 – 1916) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross. Born in Glasgow, he is the only VC to have died and been buried in Britain during WWI.  His heroism took place in December 1915, near Fonqueviller in France, when William tried to rescue a wounded fellow soldier under heavy enemy fire.  Although undeterred after he was hit by two bullets, he went on and, with another soldier who came to assist, brought the wounded sergeant back to safety.
• Captain David Reginald Younger (1871 –1900) was another Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross.  During military action near Krugersdorp in July 1900, he volunteered to take out a party of soldiers who successfully dragged a Royal Artillery waggon under very heavy fire. During his second attempt he was mortally wounded, dying shortly afterwards. 

So be proud of your Young surname!

The surname Young holds a significant place in Scottish history, reflecting a heritage of resilience and adaptability.  From its early Anglo-Saxon roots to its widespread global presence today, the Young last name has a history that continues to be explored by genealogists and historians alike.