Rising since 1986, #282 for boys today.
Popularity of Jensen since 1927
Babies named Jensen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 0 | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 13 |
| 1960s | 0 | 10 |
| 1970s | 0 | 128 |
| 1980s | 47 | 413 |
| 1990s | 1,186 | 812 |
| 2000s | 698 | 1,494 |
| 2010s | 576 | 7,788 |
| 2020s | 414 | 6,679 |
Meaning & origin
Jensen has been in steady use as a given name in the United States since at least 1927. It has risen significantly in popularity, ranking 282nd in 2025, a trajectory that has been climbing since 1986. The name saw its peak year in 2025, with approximately 1 in 1,415 boys receiving it. It is especially popular in the top states of Wyoming, West Virginia, and Maine. As a patronymic surname turned first name, Jensen fits a modern trend of using family names as given names, appealing to those seeking a strong, Nordic-inspired choice.
Jensen is a patronymic surname from Denmark and Norway, meaning 'son of Jens'. Jens is a Scandinavian short form of Johannes, derived from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious'. Originally a surname, it gained popularity as a given name in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, influenced by public figures such as actor Jensen Ackles.
Where Jensen is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Jensen” around the world
Where Jensen lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jen, Jens, Jenna
Sibling names for Jensen
Names that share Jensen's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Jensen
Names whose popularity has moved with Jensen's over the last 50 years.
