DeJong
A Dutch and Flemish surname meaning “the young,” often from a nickname or family distinction.
The #5,563 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 49,407 Americans shares it.
Etymology
DeJong is a Dutch and Flemish surname built from de jong, meaning “the young.” It was commonly used to distinguish a son from an older man of the same name, rather like English surnames such as Young or Younger. In some cases it may also reflect a hereditary family label that began as a personal description.
History
The surname is especially common in the Netherlands, Flanders, and among descendants of Dutch-speaking immigrants in North America. Spellings such as De Jong, Dejongh, and Dejonghe reflect older or regional forms. In the United States, the name is usually associated with Dutch-American families.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
In Dutch naming practice, de jong was a practical way to tell apart two people with the same personal name—usually a father and son.
From the historical record
“Job. Dejong, Dejongh, Dejonghe. Trois formes du Lcjeuue flamand. Delaage . De la haie , de l'eau (cil). C'est ce dernier sens qui pré-”
— Dictionnaire des noms (French surnames)