Surname Jenkins - Meaning and Origin

Jenkins: A Journey Into My Ancestral Roots Through iGENEA DNA Test

The iGENEA DNA test became a journey into my ancestry, bringing newfound knowledge of my Celtic roots and Viking influences, and transforming my perception of my family surname, Jenkins. This journey didn't just trace my genealogy but added depth and texture to my family identity.

E. Jenkins

Jenkins: What does the surname Jenkins mean?

The last name Jenkins is derived from the Welsh personal name "Jenkin," meaning "Little John" or "God is gracious." This surname is found across the United Kingdom in Wales, England, and Scotland, and is an alternate spelling of the surname "Jenkinson." It is believed to have derived from the given name Jenkin, itself a diminutive of John.

Jenkins is a patronymic name, meaning that the surname is derived from an ancestor's first name. This is common for Welsh surnames, as Welsh surnames usually signify “son (or daughter) of”. It could also be a locational name, indicating someone who originally lived in a place named with a similar name, such as Jenkinstown.

Jenkins is a common surname in the United States, ranking in at 468 out of 88799 total surnames. The surname can also be found in France, Canada, Australia, and Germany. Many people with the surname have gone on to have successful careers in music, politics, literature, sports, and more.

Overall, the surname Jenkins is a Welsh patronymic name, commonly found in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, France, Australia, and Germany. Originally derived from the name "Jenkin," meaning "Little John" or "God is gracious," many people with the surname Jenkins have gone on to achieve great success in their respective fields.

Jenkins: Where does the name Jenkins come from?

The last name Jenkins is most common today in England and Wales. It is one of the most popular surnames in these regions with over 38,000 people with this last name currently living in the UK. It is believed to have derived from Johnkin, an old English personal name, and has since spread across the globe.

Jenkins can also be found in other parts of the world, with a notable presence in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 264,000 Americans share this surname. There is also a high concentration of Jenkins' in Australia and Canada, with close to 16,000 in the former nation and nearly 13,000 in the latter.

Despite its varying presence, the last name Jenkins still remains strongly associated with England and Wales. It has become the primary spelling in the Anglo-Saxon regions, with variations such as Jankins and Jinkin occasionally found in the same area.

Variations of the surname Jenkins

The surname Jenkins is an English origin name that has many variants, spellings, and surnames from its root. Depending on where the name comes from, the spelling could range from Jankins to Jinkins to Jenkyn. Variants can be found in other languages, such as the Welsh version Ieuan, the Irish version MacSheoinin, and the Scottish version MacSeinin. In Scottish Gaelic the name is rendered as MacEanain.

Other variants include the Dutch Janke, the German Janke, and the Scandinavian name Janssen. Spelling variations of Jenkins can also be found in different dialects such as Ginnings, Jannings, Jannins, Jennens, Jenness, Jenninges, Jennins, Jennyns, Jenoys, Jenkinsh, Jinkens, Jinkins, Jinks, Jinnings, Ginnings and Ginkins.

In England, Jenkins is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Jan." Jan is the medieval English form of John, which translates to "God is gracious" in Latin. While it is most often used as a first name, it was also used historically as a surname. Variations of this name include Janssen, Janssens, Janson, Jansen, Janse, Jansens, and Jans.

Jenkins may also be derived from an Old English given name, "Jening," and variations such as Genkins, Gigkins, Ginkins, Ginnings, and Jannings. Other surnames derived from Jenkins include Jenks, Jenkin, Jinkins, Jinks, Jennings, Jenings, Jinnings, and Jennins.

The surname Jenkins is quite versatile and has a variety of different spellings and sources. As it is an ancient name, it has evolved and adapted over time, leading to a multitude of variants, spellings, and surnames that all ultimately share the same origin.

Famous people with the name Jenkins

• John Jenkins: American songwriter/singer.
• Donavon Jenkins: American Football player.
• Marty Jenkins: English footballer.
• Andrew Jenkins: Canadian politician.
• Chaka Khan: American singer-songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur.
• Ada Jenkins: American musician and social reformer.
• Marion Allen Jenkins: American singer.
• David Jenkins: English figure skater.
• Eddiette Jenkins: American attorney and civil rights leader.
• Donnie Jenkins: American former professional basketball player.
• Earle Jenkins: American former professional basketball player.
• Michael Jenkins: American former professional football player.
• John D. Jenkins: American former news anchor.
• Marny M. Jenkins: American politician.
• Tobias Jenkins: American actor and director.
• Poetick Jenkins: Musician, lyricist, and producer.
• Riva Jenkins: Canadian costume designer.
• Cate Jenkins: American environmental scientist.
• Pam Grier: American actress.
• Ernie Jenkins: American football player.

Other surnames

JenkinJenkinson