Short Answer
Scope and source
This article presents a themed list of 25 surnames that end in the suffix -sen, a common patronymic ending meaning “son of” in Danish, Norwegian, and other Scandinavian naming traditions. The surnames were selected alphabetically from well‑known examples of the suffix as used in the United States surname data compiled by MyNameStats.com. Because the MyNameStats dataset does not provide individual counts for each surname, the list is illustrative rather than ranked by frequency.
The surname list
| Surname | Patronymic Origin | Brief Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Andersen | Anders’ son | Derived from the given name Anders (“Andrew”). |
| Bergersen | Berg’s son | From the name Berg (“mountain” or a personal name). |
| Christiansen | Christian’s son | From the given name Christian. |
| Christensen | Christen’s son | Variant of Christiansen, from Christen (short for Christian). |
| Erichsen | Erik’s son | From the name Erik (“eternal ruler”). |
| Engersen | Enger’s son | From the name Enger (a place name or personal name). |
| Frandsen | Fran’s son | Variant of Frans, a form of Francis. |
| Hansen | Hans’s son | From the name Hans (short for Johannes). |
| Holmensen | Holmen’s son | From the name Holmen (meaning “island”). |
| Holmersen | Holmer’s son | Variant spelling of Holmensen. |
| Jørgensen | Jørgen’s son | From the name Jørgen (Danish form of George). |
| Jensen | Jens’s son | From the name Jens (short for Jørgen). |
| Jacobsen | Jacob’s son | From the name Jacob (“supplanter”). |
| Kristensen | Kristen’s son | From the name Kristen (a form of Christian). |
| Lauridsen | Laurids’ son | From the name Lærk (Danish form of Laurence). |
| Larsen | Lars’ son | From the name Lars (short for Laurentius). |
| Madsen | Mads’ son | From the name Mads (short for Mathias). |
| Nielsen | Neil’s son | From the name Neil (variant of Niels, Danish form of Nicholas). |
| Olesen | Ole’s son | From the name Ole (short for Oluf or Olav). |
| Pedersen | Peter’s son | From the name Peter (“rock”). |
| Petersen | Peter’s son | Variant spelling of Pedersen. |
| Rasmussen | Rasmus’ son | From the name Rasmus (short for Erik or Ernest). |
| Sørensen | Sørens’ son | From the name Sørens (a variant of Serge or Sergei). |
| Thomsen | Thomas’ son | From the name Thomas (“twin”). |
| Boesen | Boe’s son | From the name Boe (variant of Bo or Boe meaning “to rise”). |
How to read the context
The suffix -sen is a patronymic marker used historically in Denmark, Norway, and to a lesser extent Sweden and Iceland. It literally means “son of” and was originally a descriptive phrase rather than a fixed family name. In modern usage, the suffix has become part of a hereditary surname, but it still indicates the first name of an ancestor, usually a father.
Patterns and context
Most of the surnames on this list are common in Denmark and Norway, and many appear in the United States due to Scandinavian immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The list illustrates the diversity of first‑name bases that can produce a –sen surname (e.g., Anders, Jørgen, Peter, Lars). While the suffix is widespread, the specific name bases reflect regional naming traditions and personal preferences.
Dataset or selection limitations
- The MyNameStats dataset provides only the frequency of surname endings, not individual surname counts.
- Because no count data are available, the list is not ranked by commonality.
- Spelling variants (e.g., Petersen vs. Pedersen) are treated as separate entries; alternative spellings may be found in records.
- The list is illustrative and not exhaustive; many other –sen surnames exist.
Explore the surnames and begin research
To investigate a specific surname, start by searching census records, immigration lists, and vital records for the spelling variants shown above. Many genealogical databases allow you to filter by surname suffix. If a dedicated surname profile exists on Select Surname List, it will provide further etymological detail, variant spellings, and notable bearers.
Source and editorial status
This article is based on the MyNameStats last‑name ending analysis (retrieved 2026‑10‑07) and general knowledge of Scandinavian patronymic naming practices. Editorial review is pending.
FAQ
What does the suffix '-sen' mean in Scandinavian surnames?
The suffix '-sen' is a patronymic indicator meaning "son of" in Danish, Norwegian, and other Scandinavian naming traditions. It attaches to a father's given name to form a family name.
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