Jensen is a name of Danish origin, derived from the Old Norse name Jens, which itself comes from the Greek name Ioannes. The meaning of Jensen is "God is gracious." This name has been popular in Denmark for centuries and has since spread to other parts of Europe and even beyond.
The name Jensen first appeared in Denmark during the Middle Ages, brought by Viking settlers who had traveled across Europe. Over time, it became one of the most common surnames in Denmark, with many notable people bearing this last name, including physicist Niels Bohr and author Hans Christian Andersen.
In more recent years, Jensen has also gained popularity as a given name for boys. While it was once primarily used in Scandinavian countries, today you can find people named Jensen all over the world. Despite its Danish roots, Jensen is not considered uniquely Scandinavian anymore; rather, it's recognized as an international name with a rich history and meaning behind it.
Whether you're drawn to the strong sound of the name or appreciate its historic significance, choosing Jensen for your child ensures they'll carry a name with deep roots and a meaningful message.
The name Jensen saw a significant rise in popularity between 1988 and its peak in 1996, with over 170 births each year during this period. However, since the late 1990s, the number of annual Jensen births has fluctuated considerably, ranging from a high of 92 in 1994 to a low of 28 in 2011. Despite these fluctuations, the name has maintained some level of popularity, with at least 50 births recorded each year since 2007. As of 2023, a total of 2788 children have been named Jensen.