Jenkins is an uncommon, yet distinctive given name of Welsh origin. It derived from the Welsh personal name Jenkin, which was a diminutive form of the name Jennifer. The name Jenkins was traditionally used as a patronymic surname in Wales, meaning 'son of Jenkin', but over time it has evolved into a first name in its own right. In the United States, Jenkins saw some usage as a given name during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its peak popularity occurring in the mid-20th century.
"The Jenkins name has experienced fluctuating popularity over the years, with its highest point being 11 births in 1923 and several periods of low frequency, including a gap from 1941 to 1948 with no recorded births."