JENNESS
Jenness
Jenness is a surname of English origin, with historical roots in the county of Devon in the southwest of England. The name is derived from the village of Jenners in the parish of Drewsteignton, and variations of the surname include Jennings and Jennins.
The earliest recorded instance of the surname Jenness dates back to the 13th century in Devonshire. Over time, bearers of the surname migrated to other parts of England and beyond, thereby spreading the name to different regions. Variants of the name have been found in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, often as a result of emigration from the British Isles.
The etymology of the name 'Jenness' is thought to be rooted in the Old English personal name 'Janyn', combined with the suffix '-s', which denoted "son of Janyn". This practice of forming surnames from given names was common in medieval England and contributed to the proliferation of last names.
Today, individuals with the surname Jenness can be found across the globe, continuing the legacy of their ancestors. The name Jenness carries with it a sense of heritage and tradition, reflecting the rich history of the British Isles.
There are approximately 106 people named Jenness in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Jenness.