Hansen Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Hansen come from? What does the surname Hansen mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Hansen and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Hans, Hanse
Surname Hansen Origin: What does the last name Hansen mean?
Hansen is a Scandinavian patronymic surname, meaning "son of Hans." It is the third most common surname in Denmark and the most common surname in Norway. The name also has variations like Hanssen, which are quite common. The frequent occurrences of Hansen as a surname outside Denmark, Norway, and Schleswig-Holstein are due to Danish immigration, with Nordic immigrants to English-speaking countries often anglicizing their names to Hanson.
YourRoots data shows that the Hansen surname first appeared in records from Denmark in the early 16th century. Over the centuries, the surname spread globally, with significant records found in the United States. Today, the Hansen surname remains prominent in the United States, Denmark, and other countries worldwide, showcasing its widespread presence and rich history.
Hansen Last Name History: Where did the last name Hansen come from?
Origin of Hansen Surname: Where does the last name Hansen originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Hansen first appeared in records from Denmark around the early 16th century. This reflects only YourRoots data for the exact "Hansen" spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Hansen: What does the Hansen surname history look like in the early days?
The "Hansen" surname remained closely associated with Denmark from the 16th through the 17th century. The frequency of Hansen family records began to increase in the United States in the 18th century, according to YourRoots data. This increase suggests that the Hansen surname started to spread globally during this period.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Hansen surname today?
By the 19th century, the volume of records with the Hansen surname grew significantly in the United States, surpassing Denmark. This trend continued into the 20th century and the early years of the 21st century. The "Hansen" surname remains prominent in the United States and Denmark. It is also present in many other countries worldwide, though the specific nations are not indicated in the provided data.
Explore Hansen last name heritage and Hansen surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Hansen Surame?
Søren Hansen
Søren Hansen (born Mar 21, 1974) is a Danish professional golfer with two European Tour victories. He represented Europe in the 2008 Ryder Cup and Denmark in multiple World Cups. Hansen faced legal trouble for tax evasion but maintained his status as a top-ranked Danish golfer.
Else Hansen
Else Hansen (Cathrine Marie Mahs Hansen) (1720 - Sep 4, 1784) was a royal mistress of King Frederick V of Denmark. Known as Madam Hansen, she bore the king five children during their affair, living in seclusion at Ulriksholm manor. Despite the scandal, her descendants were cared for by the royal court.
Joachim B. Hansen
Joachim Brandt Hansen (born 18 Aug 1990) is a Danish professional golfer on the European Tour. He won the Joburg Open in 2020 and the Aviv Dubai Championship in 2021. Hansen also excelled in amateur golf, leading Denmark to victory in the 2010 Eisenhower Trophy.
Eline Hansen
Eline Johanne Frederikke Hansen (22 Oct 1859 - 6 Jan 1919) was a Danish feminist and peace leader. She was a pioneer in promoting gender equality in education and was actively involved in the Danish women's movement, advocating for women's rights and peace during World War I.
Jan Henrik Nitter Hansen
Jan Henrik Nitter Hansen (1801–1879) was a prominent Norwegian businessman and politician from Luster. He was known for his successful merchant ventures, founding a transport company, and serving as mayor. His son, Tøger Ravn Jan Henrikson Hansen, continued his legacy in business and politics.
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