Jenkins Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Jenkins Name Meaning: This surname derives from 'Kenkin' which means 'son of John' or 'little John'

This surname originated from Cornwall around the early 1000's and became more widely used in Wales too after it being commonly used as a forename in England which meant 'little John' or 'son of John'.

Discover how your Jenkins ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Jenkins Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Jenkins family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 2,253
House Servant 598
Agricultural Labourer 561
At Home 472
Labourer 468
Coal Miner 257
Collier 248
Servant 237
Dress Maker 231
Farm Labourer 193
Pauper 173
General Servant 160
Farm Servant 159
Miner 144
Carpenter 140
Mason 128
Wife Of Above 127
Annuitant 114
Tailor 109
Farmers Son 105
Shoe Maker 100
Farmer 100
Laundress 96
House Keeper 95
Blacksmith 92

Jenkins Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Jenkins 100% 245,873
2 Jinkins 86% 4,041
3 Jankins 86% 908
4 Jonkins 86% 520
5 Jenkens 86% 309
6 Jenkines 88% 169

Did you know?

The surname Jenkins is the most popular version of all its varients

Search for the Jenkins family