What does the surname Hansen mean?

The surname Hansen means "Son of Hans, where Hans is the Scandinavian form of the name John.". It is of Scandinavian (Danish, Norwegian, Swedish) origin.

How common is the Hansen surname?

There are approximately 850,000 people with the surname Hansen in the United States.

Are there Hansen soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 371 soldiers with the Hansen surname appear in Civil War records.

Hansen

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Hans, where Hans is the Scandinavian form of the name John.

Etymology

Derived from the Scandinavian personal name Hans (a form of John) with the patronymic suffix '-sen' meaning 'son of'. This is one of the most common patronymic formations in Scandinavian countries.

About the Hansen Surname

One of the most common Scandinavian surnames, derived from the patronymic 'son of Hans'. The surname has spread worldwide through Scandinavian emigration, particularly to North America.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 850,000 bearers in the United States #73 most common surname

Rare Common

Extremely common in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, with significant presence in North America and other English-speaking countries due to Scandinavian immigration.

Hansen Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Hansen Surname

Widmer Hansen

Midshipman

Quick Facts

Origin: Scandinavian (Danish, Norwegian, Swedish)
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: Scandinavian records, medieval period
Estimated Bearers: 850,000

War Records

371 soldiers with the Hansen surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →