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 7,049
Coal Miner 1,116
Dress Maker 406
Agricultural Labourer 393
Domestic Servant 391
General Servant 333
General Labourer 303
Labourer 287
Laundress 186
Farmers Son 178
Farm Servant Indoor 176
Farmers Daughter 169
Carpenter 160
General Servant Domestic 157
Farmers Wife 157
Farm Labourer 151
Annuitant 147
Mason 126
House Keeper 110
Tailor 103
General Domestic Servant 96
No Occupation 94
Servant 94
Blacksmith 93
Charwoman 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