Younger

Younger is a surname of British origin that is believed to have derived from the Middle English word "yonger," which means "younger" or "younger relative." The name may have been used to distinguish a younger individual within a family or clan.

Origin and Distribution

The surname Younger is primarily found in Scotland, particularly in the Borders region and Edinburgh. It is also found in other parts of the United Kingdom and across the world, including in the United States, Canada, and Australia, where individuals with Scottish ancestry have settled.

Notable Individuals

  • Edward Younger, 1st Baron Kennet (1879–1960): British Army officer and politician.
  • Jim Younger (1848–1902): American outlaw and member of the notorious James–Younger Gang.
  • Lester Younger (1915–1977): British entomologist known for his work on Diptera (flies).

Cultural References

The Younger surname has been featured in various cultural works, including literature, film, and television.

References

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

Overall, the surname Younger carries a rich history and has been associated with individuals from diverse backgrounds who have made significant contributions to various fields.

There are approximately 3,213 people named Younger in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,824th most common surname in Britain. Around 49 in a million people in Britain are named Younger.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Caroline
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Penelope
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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