UK name, mostly boys
Yong
An East Asian masculine name of Chinese origin meaning "brave" or "everlasting".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2012. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Yong is mostly registered for boys in the UK records. People looking for Yong popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2012 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4805, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2007, with 7 births.
This profile covers 26 England and Wales registrations across 6 recorded years from 2001 to 2012. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 43% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 26 living people in the UK are called Yong. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2013 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Yong ranked #4805 for boys in England and Wales in 2012, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2007, when 7 boys were registered as Yong.
- • About 26 living people in the UK are estimated to have Yong as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
- • Across the England and Wales records shown here, 89.7% of Yong registrations are for boys.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4805
2012
Births in 2012
3
Latest year
Peak year
2007
7 births
Estimated living
26
2026
Gender
Boy and girl registrations for Yong
In England and Wales birth records, Yong has been registered for both boys and girls. Across the years shown here, 89.7% of registrations are for boys and 10.3% are for girls.
These figures use the sex categories in the published baby-name files. They are useful for spotting how the name is used at registration, but they are not a live measure of gender identity or everyone living with the name today.
Yong registered for boys
- Ranked #4,805 in 2012
- 3 boys registered in 2012
- Peak: 2007 (7 births)
Yong registered for girls
- Ranked #5,785 in 2011
- 3 girls registered in 2011
- Peak: 2011 (3 births)
Meaning
What does Yong mean?
The name Yong has its origins in the Chinese language and can be traced back to ancient times. It is believed to have derived from the Chinese word 'yong,' which means 'brave' or 'courageous.' This name was particularly prevalent in regions of China where valor and strength were highly valued qualities.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yong can be found in the ancient Chinese text, the Shiji, also known as the Records of the Grand Historian. This historical record, written by Sima Qian around 109 BC, mentions a notable figure named Yong Jing, a military commander during the Qin Dynasty.
Throughout Chinese history, several notable individuals bore the name Yong. One such figure was Yong Zheng, the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, who ruled from 1722 to 1735. He was known for his efforts in strengthening the empire's administration and promoting cultural and economic development.
Another prominent individual was Yong Shu, a renowned Chinese painter and calligrapher who lived during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). His works are celebrated for their delicate brushstrokes and traditional Chinese aesthetics.
In Korean culture, the name Yong is also found, though it is often romanized as 'Young.' One notable bearer of this name was Young Sang, a revered Buddhist monk and scholar who lived during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392 AD). He was instrumental in spreading Buddhist teachings throughout the Korean peninsula.
Beyond East Asia, the name Yong has also been found in other cultures, though its origins and meanings may differ. For instance, in certain West African communities, the name Yong is believed to be derived from the Yoruba language and is associated with concepts of strength and resilience.
Throughout history, the name Yong has been borne by various individuals from different cultures and eras, each leaving their mark on their respective societies. From military commanders and emperors to artists and scholars, the name Yong has been carried by individuals who have demonstrated courage, leadership, and a commitment to their respective fields.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Yong over time
The chart below compares boys and girls registered as Yong in England and Wales, from 2001 to 2012. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Yong, the clearest high point is 2007. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2012, compared with 7 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Yong by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Yong was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | #4131 | 12 | 3 |
| 2000s | #3025 | 14 | 3 |
Related
Names similar to Yong
- Yusuf 11,801
- Yahya 5,758
- Yunus 2,009
- Yaseen 1,799
- Yasin 1,797
- Yuvraj 1,605
- Yaqub 1,517
- Yousef 1,489
- Yousuf 1,454
- Yasir 1,056
- Yash 876
- Youssef 749
FAQ
Yong: questions and answers
How popular is the name Yong in the UK right now?
In 2012, Yong was ranked #4805 for boys in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Yong most popular?
The peak year on record was 2007, with 7 babies registered as Yong in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Yong?
An East Asian masculine name of Chinese origin meaning "brave" or "everlasting".
How many people are called Yong in the UK?
A total of 26 babies have been registered as Yong across the 6 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.