Fixed nominalisation of Middle High German jung (“young”), from Old High German jung (“young”). Already occasionally in Middle High German [Term?], later gaining a fixed noun form based on its weak nominative inflection (giving ein Junge instead of ein Junger). The recognition as the normal standard term for “boy” is based on Central and Low German usage and has only fully asserted itself during the 20th century (compare Knabe). The now quite common plural form Jungs (Jungens) is also from German Low German [Term?]. Cognate with English young (noun).