Jannsen

Jannsen is a surname of Dutch origin. It is a variant of Janssen or Jansen, both forms derived from the patronymic meaning “son of Jan,” with Jan being the Dutch form of Johannes (John). The suffixes -sen or -ssen reflect a patronymic tradition in Dutch and related languages, indicating lineage from an antecedent named Jan.

The spelling Jannsen is a less common variant compared with Janssen and Jansen. Variants such as Janssen, Janssens, and Jansen are more widespread and appear in records from the Netherlands, Belgium, and regions with Dutch heritage. Because Dutch surnames were not standardized until relatively recently, multiple spellings coexist and individuals with the Jannsen surname may appear under other forms in archival material.

Geographic distribution centers on the Netherlands and Belgium, with diaspora communities in Germany, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The name, like other patronymics, arose independently in multiple locales where Dutch or related naming conventions were practiced, leading to a family name that reflects ancestry rather than a fixed geographical origin.

Notable bearers of the Jannsen spelling are less well documented in major reference works, and individuals are often indexed under the more common variants Janssen or Jansen in historical and genealogical sources. See also Janssen (surname), Jansen, and Janssens for related forms and prominent bearers.