Jenn

Pronunciation: /dʒɛn/

Origin: English, Cornish

Meaning: The surname Jenn derives from the English and Cornish personal name "John," which itself originates from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God has favoured."

History: The surname Jenn has a long history in England, dating back to medieval times. It is primarily found in the southwestern region of the country, particularly in Cornwall. The variant spelling "Jenn" is also common in the United States and Canada among descendants of British immigrants.

Notable Bearers:

  1. Nicholas Jenn (1780–1858) – A prominent Cornish poet and writer known for his works celebrating the culture and traditions of Cornwall.

  2. Emily Jenn (1901–1975) – A pioneering British female aviator who set numerous flight records in the early 20th century.

  3. Michael Jenn (b. 1969) – A British actor well-known for his roles in theatre, television, and film.

Variants: Variants of the surname Jenn include: Jen, Jenne, Jenner, Jenkin, Jennings, and Janning.

Popularity: The surname Jenn is not amongst the most common in the United Kingdom, but it is still seen in various parts of the country and overseas.

References:

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

This entry provides a brief overview of the origin, meaning, history, notable bearers, variants, and popularity of the British surname "Jenn."

There are approximately 124 people named Jenn in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Jenn.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Brian
  • Colin
  • David
  • Gary
  • Kevin
  • Leslie
  • Michael
  • Philip
  • Stephen
  • Tim

Female

  • Carly
  • Caroline
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Hilda
  • Jean
  • Joan
  • Kathleen
  • Margaret
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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