Origin & Meaning of the Jensen Surname
What does the last name Jensen mean?
The surname Jensen carries the meaning "Son of Jen." 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 115,679 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Jensen ranks as the #265 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Jensen come from?
The Jensen 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 Jensen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Jensen 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 | Jensen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Jen |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #265 |
| US Count (2010) | 115,679 |
| Per 100K People | 39.22 |
| First Letter | J |
Ethnic Distribution of Jensen
According to the US Census, the Jensen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 115,679 Americans with the Jensen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.97% |
| Black | 0.44% |
| Hispanic | 2.64% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.73% |
| Native American | 0.82% |
| Two or More Races | 1.4% |
Popularity of Jensen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Jensen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Jensen surname increased by 3,347 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jensen
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