Jones is a Welsh given name and surname derived from the Old Welsh word "Iuan", meaning "youth" or "young". It is particularly common in Wales, where approximately 15% of men bear this last name. The popularity of Jones can be attributed to its patronymic origins, with many notable figures throughout history bearing this surname, including James T. Farrell and Captain Robert Falcon Scott. Despite its strong association with Wales, the name Jones is now found worldwide, reflecting its popularity as both a given name and surname.