Dinesen

Dinesen is a Danish surname, a patronymic name formed from the given name Dines and meaning roughly “son of Dines.” The -sen suffix is characteristic of Danish naming practice. The name is most common in Denmark and among Danish communities abroad, and it can appear in various historical records and genealogies.

The most prominent bearer of the name in literature is Isak Dinesen, the pen name of Karen Blixen (1885–1962). Blixen published many of her works under this alias, including the memoir Out of Africa (1937) and the collection Seven Gothic Tales (1934). Her use of the name Isak Dinesen contributed to international recognition of Danish literature in the 20th century.

In contemporary usage, Dinesen remains primarily identified with Karen Blixen’s literary career rather than with a broad set of individuals bearing the surname. The name may appear in biographical references, scholarly works, and cultural discussions related to Blixen and her writings, and it continues to be encountered in Danish genealogical contexts.