Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Jensen has its origins in Danish culture as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Jens'. It evolved from the given names Jens and Johannes, which are variants of John. The name is associated with grace and has gained popularity in Denmark since the 19th century. It is viewed positively, reflecting cultural heritage, and is borne by several notable individuals.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒɛn.sən/
Origin
Danish
Etymology
Jensen is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Jens, which is a variant of Johannes, meaning 'God is gracious'.
Meaning
son of Jens
Language Evolution
Jens, Johannes, John
Historical Usage
Jensen gained popularity as a surname in Denmark and other Scandinavian countries, particularly during the 19th century when surnames became more standardized.
Variants & Derivatives
Jens, Jenson, Janson
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Jensen is perceived as a common and traditional surname in Denmark and among Scandinavian communities, often associated with a strong cultural heritage.
Famous People
Benny Jensen, Danish footballer, Anne Jensen, Danish politician, Jens Lehmann, German footballer
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,272 peak births in 2018
Geographic Spread
Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6773rd of 6773 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6287th of 7552 | 13 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3159th of 10718 | 167 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1513th of 16616 | 841 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 936th of 24088 | 3,086 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 335th of 23106 | 12,015 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2669th of 27321 | 669 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2130th of 35406 | 1,396 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2696th of 30306 | 774 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
37.54% 1518th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
60.14% 2216th/3685 |
45.65% 2043rd/4475 |
40.60% 2109th/5194 |
16.48% 1041st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
18.81% 862nd/4582 |
26.61% 1374th/5164 |
14.10% 1031st/7313 |
11.01% 822nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
6.55% 261st/3984 |
10.99% 493rd/4487 |
4.44% 303rd/6822 |
7.47% 469th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
51.56% 1900th/3685 |
59.20% 2649th/4475 |
42.86% 2226th/5194 |
48.80% 3083rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
32.74% 1500th/4582 |
42.20% 2179th/5164 |
31.75% 2322nd/7313 |
40.94% 3055th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
63.40% 2526th/3984 |
100.00% 4487th/4487 |
36.28% 2475th/6822 |
72.23% 4533rd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6773rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6287th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3159th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1513th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 936th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 335th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2669th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2130th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2696th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.