First found in Bavaria, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times. Always prominent in social affairs, the name became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the Feudal System and the nation. The name "Jung" (English: Young) had the original meaning of "junior," an addition to a name which would reflect the bearer's status or age, as well as distinguish him or her from the father, or "senior."

Thousands of German settlers came to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. The hardships of the long voyage were balanced by the opportunity to escape poverty and religious persecution. The descendents of these settlers still populate the states of Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many also live in Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Young or a variant listed above: Johannes Jung, who arrived in New York State in 1710; Johan Henrich Jung, who settled in Philadelphia in 1732; Christian Jungling, who immigrated to Philadelphia in 1734.

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