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Last Name Jensen

What is the origin of the last name Jensen?

The surname Jensen is a patronymic name derived from the given name Jens, which is a Scandinavian form of the name John. It originated in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The name Jens itself is a diminutive form of Johann or Johannes, both of which are derivatives of the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." Over time, as Scandinavian immigrants spread throughout Europe and the Americas, the surname Jensen became widespread.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jensen

The meaning and origin of the last name Jensen

The surname Jensen is a patronymic name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the given name Jens, which itself is a variant of Johannes (John) in Danish and Norwegian languages. The name Jensen is common among people of Danish, Norwegian, and Icelandic descent. It emerged during the Middle Ages as a way to denote the son or descendant of a person named Jens. Over time, it became a widely used surname in these countries due to their Viking and medieval naming traditions. In other parts of Europe, similar names like Johnson (England) and Jeannot (France) have similar origins but evolved from different variants of the given name John.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jensen

The surname Jensen is predominantly of Scandinavian origin, with a high concentration in Denmark and Norway. It is also prevalent among Danish and Norwegian immigrants to other countries, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the U.S., the highest concentrations of Jensens can be found in states like California, Texas, and Illinois, reflecting historic immigration patterns from Scandinavia. Additionally, it is common in parts of Germany due to the historical influence of the Hanseatic League, a commercial confederation that included several cities in Denmark, Norway, and Germany. Jensen is also found in other European countries as a result of emigration from Scandinavia over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jensen

The surname Jensen, derived from the Scandinavian given name Jens or Johannes, has several variants and spellings across different regions and languages. In English, it is most commonly written as Jensen. However, in Danish, it is also spelled Johansen or Hansen due to the common use of patronymics in that language. Similarly, in Norwegian, the name may be written as Johansson, Hanssen, or Hansen. In some cases, variations like Iverson, Jonsen, or Jansen can also be found, particularly among families with immigrant roots. The spelling of this name reflects its Scandinavian origins and demonstrates the adaptability of surnames to different linguistic environments.

Famous people with the last name Jensen

Notable individuals with the surname Jensen include:

1. Larsen Jensen (born 1982), American science fiction author known for his works in the "Star Trek" universe.

2. Peter Jensen (born 1960), Danish fashion designer, former Creative Director of Louis Vuitton's ready-to-wear line.

3. Connie Nielsen Jensen (born 1965), a Danish actress who has appeared in films such as "Gladiator" and "Wonder Woman."

4. John Cena Jensen (born 1977), an American professional wrestler, rapper, actor, and television host, best known for his time with the WWE.

5. Viggo Mortensen Jensen (born 1958), a Danish-American actor, author, musician, and poet, recognized for roles in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "Eastern Promises."

6. Lene Jensen (born 1972), a Danish politician who served as Minister for Culture from 2015 to 2019.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including literature, fashion, acting, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Jensen

The surname Jensen originates from Scandinavia, particularly Denmark and Norway. It is derived from the Nordic given name Jens or Hans, both meaning "God is gracious" in Old Norse. The name Jensen, as a patronymic, indicates that the original bearer was the son of Jens or Hans.

The Scandinavian settlers brought the name to various parts of Europe during the Viking Age and Middle Ages, including Iceland and the Faroe Islands. With the migration of Scandinavians to other continents, notably North America, the surname Jensen also spread across countries such as Canada, United States, and Brazil.

In the United States, the highest concentration of people with the surname Jensen can be found in states like California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas, reflecting the Scandinavian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name has multiple variations worldwide, including Jenzen, Jansen, and Jansson, stemming from spelling adaptations to local languages and phonetic changes over time.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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