Last Name Johansen

Learn more about the origin of the last name Johansen

The meaning and origin of the last name Johansen

The surname Johansen is a patronymic derived from the given name John, which originated from the Hebrew name "Yochanan" meaning "God is gracious." The name has been popularized across various cultures due to the influence of Christianity and its association with Saint John the Baptist and Apostle John. The patronymic suffix "-sen," "-son," or "-sson" indicates that a person shares the same father as a man named John. This surname is common among Scandinavian populations, particularly in Denmark, Norway, and Iceland, where patronymics were historically used due to the absence of family names. In some cases, Johansen may also be found in other Germanic-speaking regions and amongst immigrants from these areas. Over time, variations of the name, such as Johanson or Johansson, have emerged due to spelling differences and assimilation into various cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Johansen

The surname Johansen is predominantly of Scandinavian origin, with the highest concentration found in Norway and Iceland. In Norway, it ranks among the top 20 most common surnames, being particularly prevalent in the counties of Rogaland, Vestfold, and Viken. Additionally, a substantial number of Johansens can be found in Denmark where it is less frequent but still significant. The name also appears frequently in Iceland, though with somewhat less frequency compared to Norway. Beyond Scandinavia, Johansen is present in other Nordic countries such as Sweden and Finland, but in smaller numbers. It is also sparsely represented outside Europe, particularly in countries with historical ties to Scandinavia, like the United States, Canada, and Australia. The migration patterns of the 19th and 20th centuries have contributed to the global dispersion of this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Johansen

The surname Johansen has multiple spelling variations due to differences in transliteration and local dialects. These include: Johansson (Swedish), Jørgensen (Danish), Johannsen (German), Johanisdottir (Icelandic female form), and Johansadötter (Swedish female form). Additionally, it may appear as Mac Johanna Seán in Gaelic or MacJohannais in Irish, reflecting the influence of Gaelic cultures on surnames. Other less common variations include Jochimsen, Johanisson, Johannesson, and Jeansson. These variations stem from the given name Johannes, which is of Greek origin and means "God is gracious." The use of different suffixes and prefixed letters based on regional linguistic norms accounts for these spelling differences.

Famous people with the last name Johansen

Notable individuals sharing the surname Johansen include Edvard Grieg Johansen (1843-1907), a prominent Norwegian composer and pianist best known for his Peer Gynt Suite and In the Hall of the Mountain King. Johan Georg Adolf de la Gardie Johansen (1854-1916) was a Danish painter and illustrator, while Thor Johansen (1871-1934) was a Norwegian novelist and playwright, known for his works on the social problems faced by the working class. Another significant figure is Astrid Kirchherr Johansen (1936-), a German photographer who played an influential role in the early career of The Beatles. Lastly, Björk Guðmundsdóttir, born Ḥildur Rún Isabella Guðnadóttir Johansen (1965-), a widely acclaimed Icelandic singer-songwriter and record producer, is also associated with the name Johansen. These figures showcase the diverse talents and contributions of individuals carrying the last name Johansen across various creative fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Johansen

The surname Johansen is primarily of Scandinavian origin, particularly common in Iceland, Norway, and Denmark. It is derived from the personal name John, which was brought to Scandinavia by Christian missionaries during the Middle Ages. The patronymic form "-sen" indicates that the original bearer was the son of John (Johan).

Historically, several notable figures bearing the surname Johansen have emerged. For instance, Haraldur Johannesson, also known as "Harald Fairhair," was a legendary king of Norway in the 9th century who is credited with unifying the country. Another well-known figure is Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian polar explorer and diplomat who led the first crossing of the Greenland ice cap.

In contemporary times, Johansen remains a prevalent surname in Scandinavian countries. Its distribution can also be found among Scandinavian migrants and their descendants in other parts of the world, such as North America and Australia. Genealogical research on Johansen may uncover a rich heritage that spans over a thousand years of history and numerous branches across continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Johansen"
• 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 : 11 June 2025