Find out how popular the last name Yonge is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Yonge.

Yonge, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Yonge surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Yonge in America

Yonge is the 72771st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Yonge surname appeared 267 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Yonge.

We can also compare 2010 data for Yonge to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Yonge

The surname Yonge has its origins in England, dating back to the medieval period. It is primarily derived from the Old English word "geong" or "yong," which means "young." This surname was often given as a descriptive nickname to distinguish a younger person from an older family member or someone who shared the same first name.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname Yonge can be found in various medieval documents and records. One of the earliest mentions in English history appears in the 13th century, showing the prevalence of the surname during that time. Specifically, the name is noted in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where a Henry le Yonge is documented. This indicates the name's strong presence in medieval England, particularly in counties such as Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire.

Another significant record comes from the 14th century, with William Yonge, who was documented in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1327. These rolls were essentially tax records that provide invaluable insights into the distribution and status of surnames in England during this period. The presence of the Yonge surname in such a record underscores its existence and usage among the common folk and minor gentry of medieval society.

The spelling of the surname has relatively remained consistent throughout the centuries, although variations such as Young, Younge, and Yonger have also been documented. These variations often depended on regional dialects, literacy levels, and the scribes' interpretations at the time of recording.

In historical references, a notable figure is James Yonge (1646–1721), an English surgeon who made significant contributions to medical literature. He served as a naval surgeon and later as a prominent figure in Plymouth. His medical writings and translations were highly regarded, and his work played a role in the advancement of surgical practices in England.

Another prominent individual bearing the surname is Sir George Yonge (1731–1812), 5th Baronet and British Secretary at War. Yonge's political career included his role as a Member of Parliament for several constituencies and his service under different British administrations. His contributions to military organization and infrastructure were noteworthy during the late 18th century.

Additionally, Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823–1901) was a renowned English novelist known for her extensive literary work. Her writings, which include "The Heir of Redclyffe" and "The Daisy Chain," were immensely popular in the Victorian era and reflect the cultural and social ideologies of her time. Her novels have continued to be studied for their depiction of 19th-century English life and values.

The Yonge name is also associated with place names, such as Yonge Street in Toronto, Canada. Named after Sir George Yonge, this thoroughfare has historical significance and is a testament to the legacy and far-reaching impact of individuals with this surname.

In summary, the surname Yonge has a rich history dating back to medieval England, with its origins rooted in the Old English term for "young." Its presence in historical documents, such as the Hundred Rolls and Subsidy Rolls, along with notable individuals like James Yonge, Sir George Yonge, and Charlotte Mary Yonge, highlights its enduring legacy over the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Yonge

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Yonge.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Yonge was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Yonge has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Yonge was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Yonge, please contact us.

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