Surname Jochens - Meaning and Origin
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Jochens: What does the surname Jochens mean?
Jochens is a German surname of patronymic origin. The surname originates from the personal name Joch, which is derived from the Germanic name “Johann.” Johann was a popular name in the Middle Ages and was often combined with other words to form a unique name, such as Joch or Jochmann. The name Jochens is simply an adaptation of Joch.
The name has a few variations, including Jochen, Jochenson, Jokansen, and Jochims. It is most common in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, but it is also found in other parts of Europe, including France.
This surname is typically used as an occupational name, as it was used to describe a “jockey” or horse-rider. The rider was usually someone employed by the local lord or duke to ride his horses for sporting or hunting events.
The name has also been used to describe religious figures, as it is related to the old German word for a “priest.” It has also been used to designate a person from a small village in the Netherlands called Jochnum, which is derived from the name “Joch.”
The name Jochens is also related to the word “jok,” which was an old German word for a “joker” or trickster. This was likely used to describe someone who had a good sense of humor.
Overall, Jochens is a German name of patronymic origin, with a few variations. It is associated with horse riding, religious figures, and a sense of humor. It is most common in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, but is also found in other areas of Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisJochens: Where does the name Jochens come from?
The last name Jochens is most commonly found in northern Germany, specifically in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, as well as in northern Holland, mainly around the area of Groningen and northern Friesland. The first recorded mention of the surname Jochens appears in 1291 in the province of Schleswig-Holstein, where one Henneken Jochens was reported. Jochens is a patronymic name derived from Joch (a derivative of "Johann").
Today, the last name Jochens is still one of the most common surnames in Schleswig-Holstein. People with the last name Jochens in this region are primarily farmers or fishermen by trade. The last name Jochens can also be found in other parts of Germany, such as Bavaria, Hesse, and Lower Saxony.
In the United States, the last name Jochens is not particularly common, though there are a few Jochens families residing mostly in the Midwest states of Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Records show that as many as twenty-five Jochens families arrived in the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The occurrence of the last name Jochens outside of Germany is most likely attributable to the movement of German settlers who left their home country in search of a better life. Today, the Jochens name can be found in many countries around the world, including the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Canada.
Variations of the surname Jochens
The surname Jochens is derived from either the personal name Joachim, or the Old German word “joch” meaning youth. This surname may have originated with a parent whose child was given the name Joachim, or with someone who had the characteristics of youth. It may also be related to the Jewish name Jochanaan, which is similar to Joachim.
Variations of the surname Jochens include Jochems, Jochims, Jochims, Jockens, Jochels, and Jochles.
In some cases, Jochens may also be found spelled Jaughens, Jachems, Jachims, or Jagens. These spellings are derived from a Westphalian variant of the name where the “ch” sound is often pronounced as a “g.”
Additionally, if the surname is related to the Jewish name Jochanaan, it may also be found spelled Jochanni, Jochani, Jocani, Jochanaan, or Yochanan.
There are also a number of surnames that are derived from Jochens, including: Yochens, Yokens, Yonkens, Jokums, and Yochicles. These names are created when the “jo” at the front of the surname is softened to create a new variation.
Overall, there are a plethora of spellings and surnames which stem from the original surname of Jochens. Those with the surname should research their family’s background in order to better understand the possible origins.
Famous people with the name Jochens
- Thomas Jochens: American professor and author.
- Dorothy Jochens: American peace activist and psychotherapist.
- Kimberley Jochens: Australian singer-songwriter and cellist.
- Martin Jochens: British actor and film producer.
- Arthur Jochens: Finnish architect and graphical artist.
- Eric Jochens: German football manager and former player.
- Kate Jochens: Australian composer and musicologist.
- Merle Jochens: American professor and historian.
- Pia Jochens: Swedish-Canadian film director and screenwriter.
- Robert Jochens: German businessman and entrepreneur.