Surname Janson - Meaning and Origin

iGENEA DNA Test: Unravelling the Ancestral Lineage of the Surname 'Janson'

The DNA test I undertook at iGENEA, focusing specifically on the surname 'Janson', provided me with extensive insight into my ancestral lineage on a scientific basis. This detailed genetic study not only revealed my deep-rooted connection to my Scandinavian heritage but also shed light on the migration patterns of my ancestors.

E. Janson

Janson: What does the surname Janson mean?

The last name Janson is of Scandinavian origin and is a patronymic name, which means it's derived from the name of a father or male ancestor. Generally, the suffix "-son" in Scandinavian languages means "son of," representing a naming tradition where the surname indicates the relationship between father and son. Therefore, the surname Janson could be translated to "son of Jan". Jan is a variant of John in various languages, which originates from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "God is gracious". This name was popular across Europe due to various saints and biblical figures named John. As with many patronymic surnames, it's important to remember that just because someone carries the surname Janson, it doesn't necessarily mean their direct ancestor was named Jan, as the name could have been chosen for a variety of reasons.

Janson: Where does the name Janson come from?

The surname Janson has Scandinavian and Dutch origins. In Scandinavian countries, it is a patronymic name meaning 'son of Jan'. Jan is a variant of the name Johannes (John in English). This practice of passing down surnames from father to son was common in Nordics and explains the prevalence of ‘son’ in Scandinavian names. Apart from Scandinavia, the Janson surname is also prevalent in the Netherlands. Dutch surnames often used the suffix ‘sen’ or ‘son’ to denote ‘son of’ just like in Scandinavia, hence Jansen or Janson can also be 'son of Jan' in Dutch.

Today, the surname Janson remains common in its places of origin, with Sweden having a substantial number of people with the surname. It is also found in other parts of the world due to immigration, with significant bearers in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Notably, it's quite diffuse in regions with Scandinavian ancestry, such as the Midwest in the United States.

Variations of the surname Janson

The surname Janson is quite common and has various variants, alternative spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most prevalent variations of spelling include Jansen, Jansson, Janzen, Janssen, Jensen, and Jonson. Then there are the more unique or rarer variations such as Janzon, Janskin, and Jansone.

It is also essential to note that these variations might exhibit regional influences depending on the country of origin. For example, Jansen is popular in Germany and the Netherlands, while Jansson is more common in Sweden. Jensen, on the other hand, is prevalent in Denmark and Norway.

The surname Janson is patronymic, meaning it was originally derived from the father's given name, specifically, 'Jan,' a variant of 'John.' This surname is therefore prevalent in cultures where patronymic surnames were traditionally used, such as Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and Germany. Other surnames that share this 'Jan' origin include Janse, Jans, and Jance.

It is important to note that the relevance and usage of these surnames may vary per region and over time, as surnames evolve and transform due to sociolinguistic factors. Always consult historical records or professional genealogists for precise information.

Famous people with the name Janson

• Jessi Janson: model and actress from The Netherlands.
• Joost Janson: Dutch football player.
• Christian Janson: famous Danish painter and illustrator.
• Alice Janson: Swedish skier who competed in the Winter Olympics in 2006.
• Kunn Janson: Danish singer-songwriter.
• Lars Janson: Swedish jazz pianist who released the album "The Glance" in 2008.
• Henrik Janson: Swedish hockey player who currently plays for Linköpings HC in the Swedish Hockey League.
• Alison Janson: British actress known for her work in the TV series "Lark Rise to Candleford" and "From There to Here".
• Kipp Janson: singer-songwriter from Australia who released his debut album "Heart of a Man" in 2004.
• John Janson: British actor, best known for his roles in the films "Run Lola Run" and "Layer Cake".

Other surnames

JansohnJansoniusJansons