This unusual and interesting name is a nickname for a young husband, young householder or a young farmer. It derives from the Old English pre 7th Century 'husbonda' meaning 'husband'. The name was first recorded in the late 13th Century (see below). One Robert the yengehusbonde is recorded in the Charters and Rolls for Suffolk, 1277. Robert le Yungehusbonde is recorded as a witness in the Assize Rolls for Staffordshire, 1298. Matthew Younghusband was christened on March 5th 1698 in St. Olave, Southwark, London. On May 13th 1721 in St. Mary's, Abchurch, London, William Younghusband married Sarah Bell. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richard le Yongehosebonde, which was dated 1275, Subsidy Rolls for Worcestershire, during the reign of King Edward 1, 'The Hammer of the Scots', 1272-1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.