Origin & Meaning of the Jacobsen Surname
What does the last name Jacobsen mean?
The surname Jacobsen carries the meaning "Son of Jacob." It is derived from the Old Norse language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 18,820 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Jacobsen ranks as the #1,914 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Jacobsen come from?
The Jacobsen surname has its roots in Scandinavian heritage. Names of Scandinavian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Jacobsen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Jacobsen trace back to Old Norse. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Jacobsen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Jacob |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,914 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,820 |
| Per 100K People | 6.38 |
| First Letter | J |
Ethnic Distribution of Jacobsen
According to the US Census, the Jacobsen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,820 Americans with the Jacobsen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.04% |
| Black | 0.29% |
| Hispanic | 2.22% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 1.27% |
Popularity of Jacobsen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Jacobsen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Jacobsen surname decreased by 11 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jacobsen
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