First name (Optional)

Middle name (Optional)

Last name* (Required)

Extended search

Exact match

(Show only records that exactly match the information entered.)

Birth year (Optional)

Death year (Optional)

Birth location (Optional)

Death location (Optional)

Jacobsen Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Jacobsen Surname

Jacobsen is a patronymic surname with roots in Danish, Norwegian, and Dutch ancestry, meaning "son of Jacob." The name Jacob, from which Jacobsen is derived, originates from the biblical name Yaakov, meaning "supplanter" or "follower." As a common practice in the naming conventions of the era, the surname Jacobsen reflects a familial connection to the given name Jacob, similar to its English counterpart, Jacobson.

Throughout history, the surname Jacobsen has evolved and spread geographically. Initially prominent in Scandinavian regions, particularly Denmark and Norway, the name became prevalent as families migrated and settled in new areas. Scandinavian immigrants to English-speaking countries often adapted the spelling to Jacobson to better align with English orthographic rules. As a result, the Jacobsen family tree expanded, reaching the United States and other regions by the 17th and 18th centuries.

YourRoots data provides further insights into the Jacobsen genealogy, confirming the surname's early presence in the Netherlands during the 16th century. This aligns with historical records showing the surname's foundational moments and subsequent expansion. By the 19th century, the Jacobsen name saw significant growth in the United States, marking a period of substantial dispersal and diversification of the family tree across continents.

Today, Jacobsen records in the YourRoots database offer valuable resources for genealogy enthusiasts seeking to trace their ancestry. This data enriches the understanding of the Jacobsen family's lineage, illustrating a rich history that spans centuries and connects descendants around the world. For those exploring the Jacobsen family tree, YourRoots provides a comprehensive view of their heritage and familial connections.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Jacobsen Family Tree

Search more Jacobsen trees & genealogy records

Records

Tracing Your Jacobsen Family Lineage

Origin of the Jacobsen Family: Where does the Jacobsen surname come from?

The Jacobsen surname has its roots in the Netherlands, where it first appeared in historical records, marking the beginning of a rich genealogical lineage. This early emergence signifies the foundational moment for families bearing the Jacobsen name and highlights the surname's connection to early family trees in this region. As we delve into the origins, it is essential to understand that the name Jacobsen is derived from the personal name "Jacob," indicating "son of Jacob," a common practice in naming conventions of that era.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Jacobsen

During the 16th century, the Jacobsen family began to establish a presence in the Netherlands, where it flourished and started to branch out. By the time of the 17th century, records show that Jacobsen family lines were also emerging in the United States, reflecting early migration patterns and the search for new opportunities. These families began to build extensive branches of their family trees, forming connections that would last for generations.

As the 18th century approached, the Jacobsen family found a significant foothold in Denmark, where the name became increasingly prevalent. This period marked a notable expansion in the family lineage, with many branches developing across various regions, leading to a rich tapestry of family histories. The proliferation of the Jacobsen surname during this time laid the groundwork for its future dispersal across different continents.

Tracing the Jacobsen Family Tree Through the Centuries

In the 19th century, the Jacobsen surname experienced remarkable growth, particularly in the United States, as families migrated in search of a better life. This era saw an increase in the number of Jacobsen families establishing themselves in new regions, contributing to the surname's global spread. By the turn of the 20th century, Jacobsen descendants had reached various parts of the world, including Australia, further diversifying the family tree and connecting descendants across continents.

The 21st century has witnessed a continued presence of the Jacobsen surname in various regions, reflecting ongoing genealogical connections and the evolution of family trees. With records indicating a sustained interest in the Jacobsen lineage, individuals today can trace their ancestry and discover their familial roots. Exploring the Jacobsen genealogy records in the YourRoots database provides an opportunity for descendants to connect with their heritage and understand the broader family history that spans centuries.

Famous People with Jacobsen (and Their Family Tree)

Annie Jacobsen

Annie Jacobsen, born June 28, 1967, is a celebrated American investigative journalist and author, renowned for her insightful writings on war, weapons, and security. A 2016 Pulitzer Prize finalist, Jacobsen is best known for her 2011 book "Area 51: An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base," which delves into the mysteries surrounding Area 51. Her critically acclaimed works include "Operation Paperclip," "The Pentagon's Brain," and "Surprise, Kill, Vanish," showcasing her expertise in uncovering the secretive underbelly of government operations. Jacobsen also contributes to television, having co-written episodes for Amazon's "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan" and developed a TV series based on her book "Phenomena."

Peter Jacobsen

Peter Erling Jacobsen, born March 4, 1954, is a distinguished American professional golfer and commentator known for his successful career on the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour. With seven PGA Tour wins, including the Buick-Goodwrench Open and Greater Hartford Open, and two major titles on the Champions Tour, Jacobsen is celebrated for his impressive achievements. Additionally, he is a familiar face on Golf Channel and NBC, and has been involved in event management through Peter Jacobsen Sports. His engaging personality and contributions to golf extend to commentary, entertainment, and business, making him a prominent figure in the golfing world.

Jacobsen was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and is married to Jan. They have three children: Amy, Kristen, and Mick.

Arne Jacobsen

Arne Emil Jacobsen was a distinguished Danish architect and furniture designer, celebrated for his contributions to architectural functionalism and the International Modern Style. His career highlights include the design of the Rothenborg House and a seaside resort complex in Klampenborg, which solidified his reputation as an avant-garde architect. Jacobsen's innovative projects, like the Bellevue Sea Bath and the Bellevue Theatre, showcased his modern aesthetic, influenced by the rationalist architecture of Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius. His work extended beyond buildings, as he also designed chairs that achieved worldwide acclaim for their simplicity and functionality.

Arne Jacobsen was born in Copenhagen to Johan, a wholesale trader, and Pouline, a bank teller with a passion for floral motifs. Of Jewish descent, his family background played a role in shaping his early life and career decisions. Initially aspiring to be a painter, Jacobsen was encouraged by his mother to pursue architecture, a field in which he would eventually excel.

Stephanie Jacobsen

Stephanie Chaves-Jacobsen, born in 1980 in British Hong Kong, is a renowned Hong Kong-born Australian actress known for her diverse roles across television and film. Her career highlights include starring in the SBS comedy series Pizza, portraying Charlotte Adams in the Australian soap opera Home and Away, and playing Kendra Shaw in Battlestar Galactica: Razor. Jacobsen gained further recognition for her role as Jesse in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and as Lauren Yung in The CW's Melrose Place. Her film credits include Quantum Apocalypse and the detective thriller Alex Cross, where she played Fan Yau Lee. Jacobsen's work in both Australian and American television and film highlights her versatility and broad appeal.

Stephanie Jacobsen has a diverse heritage, being of Chinese, Portuguese, Norwegian, and English descent. Born in British Hong Kong, her family relocated to Australia when she was twelve. This multicultural background is a significant part of her identity, influencing her unique presence in the entertainment industry. Jacobsen pursued her education at the University of Sydney, earning a double-major Bachelor of Arts in English literature and philosophy, before embarking on her successful acting career.

Casey Jacobsen

Casey Gardner Jacobsen, born on March 19, 1981, is a retired American professional basketball player known for his impressive career in both the NBA and European leagues. Notably, Jacobsen played for the Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Hornets in the NBA, and later achieved significant success with Brose Baskets Bamberg in Germany. He won multiple Bundesliga championships and German Cups, earning the German League Finals MVP award in 2007 and 2010. Post-retirement, Jacobsen transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a basketball analyst for Fox Sports and the Pac-12 Networks, and hosting his own show with the Phoenix Suns Rise Suns Digital Network.

Jacobsen Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Jacobsen" is a Danish, Norwegian, and Dutch patronymic name meaning "son of Jacob," derived from the biblical name Yaakov, which means "supplanter" or "follower." It has a less common cognate, "Jakobsen," and a parallel English form, "Jacobson," which Scandinavian immigrants often adopted to fit English spelling conventions.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Jacobsen

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Jacobsen family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Jacobsen surname to learn more.