Last Name Jacobsen

The surname Jacobsen is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the given name Jakob, which is a variant of the biblical name Jacob. The suffix "-sen" is a common Germanic patronymic indicating "son of," in this case son of Jakob or Jacob. This surname is widespread in northern Europe and is particularly common in Scandinavia, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jacobsen

The meaning and origin of the last name Jacobsen

The surname Jacobsen is of Germanic origin, derived from the given name Jakob or James. It is an occupational name for a blacksmith or a metonymic occupational name for someone who worked with St. James' emblem, a shell, as a pilgrim badge-maker. The name was also used as a habitational name for someone living near a place named with the genitive form of Jakob's personal name, such as Jakobsweiler in Germany. In Scandinavian countries, it is a patronymic surname, indicating son of Jacob. It has various spellings across Europe due to historical spelling variations and migrations. The name became common among Danish settlers in the United States in the 19th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jacobsen

The surname Jacobsen is predominantly of Scandinavian origin and has a significant presence in Denmark and Norway. It is also common in other Nordic countries like Sweden and Iceland, due to their historical ties. Beyond Scandinavia, the name is also found in various pockets across North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, where it was brought by early Scandinavian immigrants. In the U.S., Jacobsen can be found most densely in states with a high Scandinavian population such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. The name is also present in Germany, although it is less common there compared to its Scandinavian roots. On a global scale, Jacobsen is ranked among the top 10,000 surnames worldwide, reflecting its concentration in Nordic countries and among their diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jacobsen

The surname Jacobsen has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Jakobsen, Jansen, Jensen, and Yacobsen. These variations may stem from regional or cultural influences. For instance, the name Jakobsen is commonly used in Scandinavian countries such as Denmark and Norway, while Jansen and Jensen are popular in Germany and the Netherlands. In English-speaking countries, both Jansen and Jensen are used interchangeably, although Jansen may be more prevalent among descendants of Dutch immigrants, while Jensen is common among Scandinavian or Danish immigrants. Yacobsen might be found among individuals with a Jewish background, as it represents the Hebrew name Yaaqov (Jacob) in a Latinized form.

Famous people with the last name Jacobsen

Notable individuals with the surname Jacobsen include:

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855), a Danish philosopher, theologian, and author who is widely regarded as the first existentialist philosopher. His works are characterized by complex analysis of fear and anxiety and included philosophical works of ethics, religion and aesthetics.

Vilhelm Kierkegaard (1813-1855), a Danish philosopher, brother of Søren Kierkegaard, who also made contributions to the field of philosophy. He was primarily known for his works on aesthetics and ethics.

Peter Waerhaug Jacobsen (born 1963), a Danish musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist. He has released several albums under the pseudonym Oh Land and is known for her eclectic pop music style.

Lise Jacobsen (born 1971), a Danish former alpine ski racer who won multiple medals at the World Championships and competed in three Winter Olympics, earning a silver medal in the downhill event at Lillehammer 1994.

Carl Jacobsen (1842-1914), a Danish brewer, co-founder of Carlsberg Brewery, one of the world's largest breweries. He was responsible for introducing lager beer to Denmark and developed Carlsberg as a leading global beer brand.

Genealogical research on the last name Jacobsen

The surname Jacobsen originates from Scandinavia, specifically Denmark and Norway. It is derived from the given name Jakob, a variation of the Hebrew name "Ya'akov," which means "supplanter" or "usurper." In Norway, it is often spelled Jansen as a result of Christianization when many Norwegians adopted the patronymic system, adopting their father's given name as their surname. The Jacobsen family in Denmark and Norway can be traced back to the Viking Age, with notable figures such as Erik Jacobsen Glime (16th century) and Jens Jacobsen (17th-18th centuries), a renowned Danish writer. Jacobsen is a common Scandinavian name and has been carried by immigrants to other countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The Jacobsen family history reflects Viking exploration, Christianization, and subsequent immigration, with notable contributions in literature, art, and science in their native countries and beyond.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jacobsen"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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