Show ContentsYoungston History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The history of the name Youngston begins in the Scottish/English Borderlands with a family of Strathclyde-Briton ancestry. It is a name for a person who was very young, from the Old English word yong and yung. Alternatively, it could be "a personal name the same in meaning with Gaelic Og, 'young.' " 1

Early Origins of the Youngston family

The surname Youngston was first found in the borderlands between Scotland and England. The name was first borne in this region by a Strathclyde-Briton family, as revealed in records dating back to the 13th century.

"Its centre in the north is in Northumberland and Durham. Over a large part of Scotland, but especially south of the Forth and the Clyde, Young is numerously to be found." 2

One of the earliest records of the family was in the Latin form of the name (typical of the time): "Malmor dictus Juvenis and Ade dictus Juvenis were assizers at Dumbarton in 1271." 1 Years later, John Yong de Dyngvale witnessed a charter by the earl of Ross to Reginald, son of Roderick of the Isles, in 1342 and one year later, Symone Yong was burgess of Elgin in 1343.

Early History of the Youngston family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Youngston research. Another 173 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1342, 1343, 1376, 1413, 1428, 1439, 1446, 1449, 1462, 1587, 1655, 1671, 1679, 1683, 1684, 1699, 1762, 1765, 1860, 1868 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Youngston History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Youngston Spelling Variations

The variation in the spelling of Medieval names is a result of the lack of spelling rules in the English language prior to the last few hundred years. Before that time, scribes spelled according to sound, often varying the spelling of name within a single document. Youngston has appeared as Young, Younge, Yonge, Yong, Yung, Youngson and others.

Early Notables of the Youngston family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Thomas Young (1587-1655), Scottish theologian; Alexander Young (died 1684), a Scottish prelate, Bishop of Edinburgh (1671-1679), and Bishop of Ross (1679-1684); and Edward Young (1683-1765), English poet. Elizabeth Younger (1699?-1762), was a Scottish actress, called indifferently on the stage at the outset Miss...
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Youngston Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Youngston family to Ireland

Some of the Youngston family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 119 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Canada Youngston migration to Canada +

As the persecution of Clan families continued, they sailed for North America in increasing numbers. In most cases, they found the freedom and opportunity they sought. Land was often available and the American War of Independence allowed Scots an opportunity to solidify their independence from the English crown. These settlers and their ancestors went on to play essential roles in the forging of the nations of the United States and Canada. Among them:

Youngston Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Thomas Youngston, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749-1752


The Youngston Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Roberi prudentia praestat
Motto Translation: Prudence excels strength.


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.


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