Sir William Young, KCB (8 September 1799 – 8 May 1887) was a Nova Scotia politician and jurist.

Born in Falkirk, the son of John Young and Agnes Renny, Young was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 1836 as a Reformer (or Liberal) and, as a lawyer, defended Reform journalists accused of libel.

In February 1857, ten Catholic and two Protestant Liberals voted with the Tories to bring down Young's government.

Young returned to power in January 1860 when the Tory government was unable to command a majority in the legislature after an election.

In July, the colony's Chief Justice died and Young, who had long coveted the job, was appointed to the position by the lieutenant governor.