Jansen — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Scandinavian origin Rank #2,189 in the US 16,596 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#2,189
▼ Down 117 since 2000
People in the US
16,596
5.63 per 100K people
Origin
Scandinavian
Old Norse

Origin & Meaning of the Jansen Surname

What does the last name Jansen mean?

The surname Jansen carries the meaning "Son of Jan." 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 16,596 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Jansen ranks as the #2,189 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Jansen come from?

The Jansen 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 Jansen name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Jansen 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.

Scandinavian Old Norse

Quick Facts

Surname Jansen
Meaning Son of Jan
Origin Scandinavian
Language Old Norse
US Rank (2010) #2,189
US Count (2010) 16,596
Per 100K People 5.63
First Letter J

Ethnic Distribution of Jansen

According to the US Census, the Jansen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 16,596 Americans with the Jansen last name.

White 93.56%
Black 0.87%
Hispanic 2.35%
Asian/PI 1.02%
Native American 0.54%
Two+ Races 1.65%
Ethnic distribution of the Jansen surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White93.56%
Black0.87%
Hispanic2.35%
Asian/Pacific Islander1.02%
Native American0.54%
Two or More Races1.65%

Popularity of Jansen Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Jansen surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#2,072
16,036 people
Down 117
Census 2010
#2,189
16,596 people

The number of Americans with the Jansen surname increased by 560 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Jansen Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Jansen ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Jansen

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Jansen.

Other Scandinavian Surnames

Explore more surnames with Scandinavian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Scandinavian origin as Jansen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jansen

The surname Jansen is of Scandinavian origin. Son of Jan
The surname Jansen is ranked #2,189 in the United States with approximately 16,596 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Son of Jan. The name has Scandinavian roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Jansen surname is distributed as: 93.6% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Jansen ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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