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Origins of the Jenkins surname

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What does the name Jenkins mean?

The Jenkins surname is thought to have originated in Cornwall, and is now found across the country (particularly in South Wales). Jenkins is a diminutive of John that means 'little (or son of) John' and has been seen as early as 1086, suggesting it may have existed since before the arrival of the Normans in 1066. The name Jenkins could be given to someone who was the younger in a family bearing the same forename, or as someone who was the son or descendant of somebody named John.

Alternative variations of the name Jenkins

Jenkins, Jenkin, Jenkyn, Jenkens, Jenken

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Where do most Jenkinses live?

In 1921, most Jenkinses lived in South West.


Census records trace your ancestors through each generation, so you can follow where your relatives lived through each decade.

Interesting facts about Jenkinses

How common is your surname?

107th most common surname in the UK

We have 360,000 records for the Jenkins surname. The oldest one dates back to 1532.

Who were Jenkinses most likely to marry?

Our Marriage record sets tell us which families married Jenkinses.

What are the most common Jenkins first names?

  • John
  • William
  • Mary
  • Elizabeth

Our birth record sets tell us the names of Jenkins family members

Common jobs for Jenkinses

Men and women often performed different types of jobs, so these are displayed by gender to maintain their historical accuracy.

Common Female occupations for Jenkinses in 1921
Dressmaker

2,060

Domestic Servant

966

General Servant Domestic

911

Laundress

847

House Servant

839

Common Male occupations for Jenkinses in 1921
Coal Miner

3,438

Coal Miner Hewer

1,783

Farmer

1,659

Carpenter

1,116

General Labourer

1,087

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We found over 320,000 family trees with the Jenkins surname

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