All about the name

Jens

Male

« Jens is an Old Norse masculine given name derived from 'Geirr', meaning 'spear', associated with Saint Jannes and Norse mythology's Valkyrie Jannes. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Jens is a Scandinavian masculine given name with an Old Norse origin. It is derived from the Norse word 'Geirr', which means 'spear'. The name Jens is also associated with Saint Jannes, who was a Moorish king converted to Christianity by Saint James the Greater. The name Jens has been widely used in Denmark and Norway for centuries, but it has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. It is often spelled as "Jens" in English-speaking countries, while in other languages such as German and Dutch, it may be spelled as "Hans". In Norse mythology, Jannes was a valkyrie who chose the slain on the battlefield. This association with the legendary female warriors who selected the fallen soldiers may have contributed to the popularity of the name Jens among Scandinavian peoples. Today, the name Jens is still commonly used in Denmark and Norway, and it has also become popular in other countries such as Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Despite its historic origins, the name Jens remains a modern choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their sons.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Jens since 1880

Total births
2,414
Total since 1880
Peak year
1966
39 births
in 2023
22
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+10%
vs previous 5 years