Jens
Jens is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
God is gracious.
Origin and history
Jens is a North Germanic given name derived from Johannes, making it the Scandinavian equivalent of John. It is widely popular across Denmark, Norway, and Germany, representing a traditional and enduring masculine choice. In the United States, it remains a rare and distinctive name with steady historic usage.
Popularity in the United States
2,456 babies in the United States have been named Jens since 1880. It ranks #2615 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1801.
States where it is most popular
- CA (43.4 %)
- MN (16.4 %)
- UT (16.4 %)
- WA (8.2 %)
- WI (5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 21 |
| 1890-1900 | 26 |
| 1900-1910 | 12 |
| 1910-1920 | 142 |
| 1920-1930 | 145 |
| 1930-1940 | 98 |
| 1940-1950 | 114 |
| 1950-1960 | 160 |
| 1960-1970 | 234 |
| 1970-1980 | 265 |
| 1980-1990 | 319 |
| 1990-2000 | 305 |
| 2000-2010 | 257 |
| 2010-2019 | 232 |
| 2020-2029 | 126 |
Famous people named Jens
- Jens Stoltenberg: Politician, Diplomat
- Jens Voigt: Athlete, Cyclist
- Jens Pulver: Mixed Martial Artist, Boxer
Fun facts
- Jens developed as a vernacular short form of Johannes in medieval Scandinavia.
- It has consistently been one of the most common male names in Denmark and northern Germany for decades.