Most sources agree that the name Jenks is a patronymic surname. That is, it was formed from the first name of the father.  In this case, it is the name of Jen, Jan,Jon or John and can mean “son of John” or “little John”.  Because of the lack of standardized spelling, many variations on the name developed.  Many families used several different spellings over the generations.  Known variants include Jenks, Jinks, Jenkes, Jinkes, Jencks, Jincks, Jenckes, Jinckes, Genks, Ginks,Chenks, Chenkes, and many other spellings using a form of the -kins or –kens endings. 

Different variants can be found in various countries around the world. However, this project will primarily focus on the family lines that originated in England, Wales, Scotland, Germany & the Netherlands.

Family members have migrated to many other countries around the world.  No matter where you presently live in the world, if your surname is one of these variations, we would welcome you  joining this project.