The surname Jongs has its origins in the Low Countries, particularly in the regions known today as the Netherlands and Belgium. Tracing back to medieval times, the name likely emerged around the 13th or 14th century. The name Jongs is thought to be a variant of the Dutch word jong, which means young. It was possibly used as a nickname for a young person or the younger of two people with the same given name in a family.

Early references to similar names can be found in various medieval records. For example, in the Netherlands, the name Jongh or De Jongh appears in several 15th-century manuscripts. A notable historical reference includes a Jacobus de Jongh, a merchant listed in the early 1400s in the city of Amsterdam. He was recorded in trade documents and civic records indicating the name's usage in urban areas.

The earliest recorded example directly aligned with the surname Jongs appears in the town of Antwerp in the late 15th century. The name morphs in written texts, where it was often seen as Jonghs or Jongs without the 'h'. One of the earliest verifiable bearers was Pieter Jongs, a noted craftsman born in 1482 who contributed to the construction of the Antwerp Cathedral, and records of his work survive in church archives.

As the name spread, it surfaced in various forms in different regions. In Friesland, a northern province of the Netherlands, records from the 16th century list a Jan Jongs, a farmer who became a local council member in 1553. This reflects the surname's association with respectable positions in rural and semi-urban communities.

Another significant figure was Matthijs Jongs, born in 1629 in Bruges. He was a scholar and author whose works on local history are still referenced in academic circles. His most important work, a chronicle of the city's folklore, was published posthumously in 1685, gaining him a place in Belgian literary history.

In the 18th century, the surname appears in England, with one notable instance being Willem Jongs, who emigrated from Holland to London around 1710. He became a prominent silversmith, with some of his works displayed in museums today. Records from the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in London around 1735 document his considerable contributions to the craft.

By the 19th century, individuals with the surname Jongs had become fairly common across both rural and urban settings in the Low Countries. Jeanette Jongs, born in 1871 in Ghent, was a pioneer in women's education and founded the first school for girls in the city, advocating for educational reforms throughout her life until her death in 1949.

In conclusion, the surname Jongs has a rich history rooted in the Low Countries, evolving from a simple nickname to a family name that has spanned centuries and crossed regional boundaries. It has been borne by individuals in various occupations, contributing to both local and academic histories.