Jensen Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Jensen come from? What does the surname Jensen mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Jensen and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Jensen Origin: What does the last name Jensen mean?
Jensen is a Danish and Norwegian patronymic surname that originated from the given name Jens. In the early 15th century, records trace the surname Jensen to Denmark, indicating a strong regional presence during that period. The surname remained closely tied to Denmark from the 15th to the 18th century, with a significant increase in Jensen records in the United States in the 19th century, surpassing Denmark for the first time. By the 20th century, the United States had the highest volume of Jensen records, showcasing its global spread.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Jensen surname in the United Kingdom since the early 10th century, with the name steadily expanding across countries like France by the 15th century. By the 16th and 17th centuries, Jensen had spread extensively worldwide and continues to be found in places like India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Ireland, France, Nigeria, and beyond in the modern era. This surname reflects a rich heritage rooted in Denmark and Norway, highlighting its evolution and presence across various regions and cultures over the centuries.
Jensen Last Name History: Where did the last name Jensen come from?
Origin of Jensen Surname: Where does the last name Jensen originate from?
The earliest records in the YourRoots database trace the origin of the surname Jensen to Denmark in the early 15th century. It's important to note that this reflects only the exact "Jensen" spelling as per YourRoots data and doesn't account for other record sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Jensen: What does the Jensen surname history look like in the early days?
The Jensen surname remained closely tied to Denmark from the 15th through to the 18th century, as per the YourRoots data. This is indicative of a strong regional presence during this period, although the exact extent of its spread beyond Denmark isn't detailed in the data provided.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Jensen surname today?
The 19th century saw a significant increase in the volume of Jensen records in the United States, surpassing Denmark for the first time. By the 20th century, the United States had the highest volume of Jensen records, a trend that persists into the 21st century. Despite the strong presence in the United States, the Jensen surname is still found in Denmark and potentially other regions globally. However, the exact spread isn't specified in the data provided.
Explore Jensen last name heritage and Jensen surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Jensen Surame?
Ashley Jensen
Ashley Jensen (August 11, 1969 - present) is a Scottish actress known for her roles in popular TV series like Extras, Ugly Betty, Agatha Raisin, and Shetland. With a background in drama from Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University, Jensen's career took off with memorable performances in British comedies and dramas. She has received awards and nominations for her work, including an Emmy nomination for her role in Extras. Jensen's talent has also extended to voice acting and narration in various projects. Her versatile acting skills and engaging presence have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Clay Jensen
Clayton Jason Jensen (born June 17, 1997) is a fictional character created by author Jay Asher. He is the protagonist in Thirteen Reasons Why, a novel where a girl, Hannah Baker, commits suicide. Clay is also the main character in the Netflix television series adaptation of Asher's story, 13 Reasons Why, where he is portrayed by Dylan Minnette. Throughout the series, Clay navigates through friendship, love, mental health struggles, and the aftermath of a classmate's suicide, earning critical acclaim for Minnette's performance.
Maren Jensen
Maren Larae Jensen (September 23, 1956 - ) is an American former model and actress best known for her role as Lieutenant Athena in the 1978–79 television series Battlestar Galactica. Jensen also appeared in popular US TV shows like The Love Boat and Fantasy Island. Born in Arcadia, California, she started her career as a model and transitioned into acting, making a mark in the industry. Jensen's personal life includes a relationship with singer-songwriter Don Henley and co-founding the successful cosmetics brand Stila. She continues to make waves in the business world with her latest venture, Glow Beauty Fuel, showing her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.
Axel Jensen
Axel Buchardt Jensen (12 Feb 1932 – 13 Feb 2003) was a Norwegian author known for his diverse works, including novels, poems, essays, and manuscripts for cartoons and animated films. Born in Trondheim, Jensen's early struggles with education and jobs shaped his unique writing style. His novel "Ikaros – ung mann i Sahara" received critical acclaim, showcasing his talent for storytelling. Despite personal challenges, Jensen's dedication to his craft and adventurous spirit captivated readers and inspired aspiring writers. His legacy lives on through his impactful literary contributions and unconventional approach to storytelling.
Murphy Jensen
Murphy Jensen (October 30, 1968 - ) is an American former professional tennis player and Grand Slam doubles champion. He is known for winning the 1993 French Open Doubles title with his brother Luke Jensen. After his tennis career, Murphy co-founded WEconnect, a healthcare information technology company aiding addiction recovery, and became the head coach of the Washington Kastles. Growing up on a Christmas-tree farm in Michigan, Murphy overcame addiction struggles and has been sober since 2006. He now hosts tennis programs on the Tennis Channel and acts in films. Murphy Jensen continues to make a positive impact in the tennis world and addiction recovery community.
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