Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Hanssen

      Origin

      Scandinavian, Specifically Danish or Norwegian

      Meaning

      Derived from Hans, Meaning God is Gracious

      Variations

      Hanseen, Hansson, Janssen
      The surname Hanssen is of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Denmark and Norway, and is derived from the given name Hans. Hans is a variation of the name Johannes, which means God is gracious in Hebrew. The suffix -sen indicates son of, making Hanssen mean son of Hans. This patronymic naming convention was prevalent in Norse cultures and is still common in various forms across the Scandinavian region. Thus, the name reflects both a personal connection to the father and a broader cultural significance rooted in faith.

      The use of the surname Hanssen can be traced back several centuries in Scandinavia, with historical records indicating its emergence during the medieval period when patronymic naming was standard. This period saw the rise of surnames as a means of identifying lineage and family ties, particularly among noble classes and landowners. Historical documents, such as church records and tax rolls, from the 17th and 18th centuries show notable instances of the name, demonstrating its usage among families in Denmark and Norway. The adoption of surnames like Hanssen is a reflection of social and cultural developments during that era, encapsulating both lineage and religious heritage.

      In contemporary times, Hanssen remains a prevalent surname in Denmark and Norway, as well as among Scandinavian diaspora communities worldwide. While spelling variations exist, such as Hansen, Hanssen retains its distinctiveness. The name can also be found in various professions and cultural contexts, including academia, arts, and business. Additionally, with the globalization of culture, Hanssen has gained recognition outside of its traditional roots, featuring in literature and popular media, thus reflecting both the evolution of naming conventions and the enduring legacy of Scandinavian heritage in modern society.

      Based on our records...

      Weber

      Weber

      This is the most common surname associated with Hanssen.
      Anna

      Anna

      This is the most common name of those married to a Hanssen.
      Anna

      Anna

      This is the most common name for a child of a Hanssen.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1600 is when there were the most people born with the first name Hanssen.

      Explore the origins of another name.