Surname Jansz - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'J'
Jansz: What does the surname Jansz mean?
The surname Jansz is of Dutch origin and translates to "John's" in English, with 'sz' typically signifies "son of", showing a patronymic naming tradition. This suggests that the individuals bearing this surname are traditionally identified as the "son of Jan" or "John's son". The name Jan is a variation of John, which originates from the Greek name Ioannes, itself derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan meaning "Jehovah has been gracious". The use of patronymic names was common in the Netherlands until the Napoleonic era when everyone was required to adopt a permanent family surname for census purposes. Therefore, the surname Jansz could have been adopted by one or more individuals who were sons of a man named Jan. Please note that surname meanings may vary based on regional interpretations and ancestral history.
Order DNA origin analysisJansz: Where does the name Jansz come from?
The last name Jansz is of Dutch origin, derived from the first name "Jan," equivalent to John in English, and the suffix "-sz" signifying "son of." Therefore, it roughly translates to “Jan's son.” This name was commonly used in previous centuries when it was typical to use patronymic surnames in the Netherlands. As families began to stabilize around one family name, the name Jansz persisted.
Today, the surname Jansz is still quite common in the Netherlands, holding firm to its Dutch roots. It can also be found in areas that have a historical Dutch influence, such as in South Africa and in parts of the Western Hemisphere that were once Dutch colonies, like Suriname. However, it is perhaps less common in these areas than it is in the Netherlands proper. Given patterns of global migration, it's also likely that individuals bearing the Jansz surname could be found in various parts of the world, especially in countries with high levels of immigration, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Variations of the surname Jansz
The surname Jansz is of Dutch origin and is a patronymic name derived from the given name Jan, equivalent to John in English. Patronymic names are based on the given name of a male ancestor and often end with ‘-sz’, 's', or ‘-sen’.
Different spellings and variants of the name Jansz include Jansen, Janssen, Jansson, Jans, Janss, Janse, Jansse, Janzen, Janß, and Janssen. The variations mainly differ due to regional dialects and spellings, assimilation to other languages, and simplification over time.
Usually, the variations that end with "-sen" or "-son" are more common in Scandinavian countries where such suffixes indicate "son of". Variations that maintain the "sz" or "ß" (representing an old form of "ss") ending are more typical in regions that were historically more influenced by Middle Low German.
In relation to morphed forms in foreign countries, it can lead to further variations such as Johnson, Jackson, or Janson in English-speaking countries.
It's important to note that while these variations are linked etymologically, in a genealogical sense, they might not refer to a common ancestor. Those with these surnames might not be genetically related, as multiple individuals could independently take on patronymic surnames based on the common given name "Jan".
Famous people with the name Jansz
- Mercy Jansz, Sri Lankan actress
- Jan Jansz Starter, Dutch painter of the 17th century
- Leonie Jansz, Dutch actor
- Arend Jansz, Dutch politician
- Tim Jansz, Dutch cabaret performer
- Henry Jansz, English Civil War figure
- Brigitte Jansz, Dutch actress
- Jan Jansz, Dutch neoclassicist architect
- Willem Jansz, Dutch navigator
- Tom Jansz, Australian poet