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 4,448
Labourer 557
Coal Miner 437
Agricultural Labourer 432
Domestic Servant 356
Collier 354
General Servant 341
Dress Maker 307
Farm Servant 208
Servant 165
Laundress 158
House Keeper 151
Carpenter 149
Mason 129
Miner 124
Blacksmith 119
Annuitant 116
Farmer 115
Tailor 113
Farmer's Son 94
Shoe Maker 94
Wife 93
Farmers Son 90
Farm Labourer 85
Gardener 77

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