Show ContentsJen Surname History

Early Origins of the Jen family

The surname Jen was first found in Languedoc, where the family held a family seat since ancient times.

Early History of the Jen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Jen research. Another 337 words (24 lines of text) covering the years 1202, 1234, 1341, 1351, 1364, 1400, 1440, 1540, 1551, 1607, 1645, 1667, 1669, 1707, 1723 and 1800 are included under the topic Early Jen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Jen Spelling Variations

French surnames were subject to numerous spelling alterations depending on the region and time it was used. The early development of the French language relied heavily on borrowing elements and grammar from other languages. For example, Old French was infused with Germanic words and sounds when barbarian tribes invaded and settled in France after the fall of the Roman Empire. Middle French also borrowed heavily from the Italian language during the Renaissance. As a result of these linguistic and cultural influences, the name Jen is distinguished by a number of regional variations. The many spelling variations of the name include Saint Jean, Jean, Geon, Jeans, Jeane, Geans, Gen, Le Jean, Des Jeans, De La Geon, Saint-Jon, Saint-Geans and many more.

Early Notables of the Jen family

Notable amongst the family name at this time was Jean, or Jehan de Beaumanoir, Marshal of Brittany for Charles of Blois, and Captain of Josselin, is remembered for his share in the famous Combat of the Thirty during the War of Breton Succession (1341-1364); Sir...
Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Jen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Jen family

In 1643, 109 years after the first landings by Cartier, there were only about 300 people in Quebec. Migration was slow. The fur trade attracted migrants, both noble and commoner. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec. By the same year the French Acadian presence in the Maritimes had reached 500. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The family name Jen has made many distinguished contributions in France and New France to the world of science, culture, religion, and education. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Jen were Peter Gustavus Saint Jean settled in Philadelphia in 1848; Jean Antoine Jean settled in Louisiana in 1752; Pierre Armin Jean settled in Philadelphia in 1753.


Contemporary Notables of the name Jen (post 1700) +

  • Jen Reberger, American Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Disney General Entertainment Content
  • Jen Cassetty (b. 1974), American female fitness figure competitor formerly with the IFBB Fitness Organization
  • Jen Drohan, American actress from New York City
  • Jen Hendershott (b. 1971), American fitness competitor and former school teacher, winner of the 2005 Fitness International and 2005 Fitness Olympia events
  • Jen Ponton, American actress, known for her work on The Weirdos Next Door (2014), Free the Nipple (2014) and Jack & Diane (2012)
  • Jen Tullock, American writer, comedian, and award-winning voice actor
  • Jen Banbury, American playwright, author and journalist who studied at Yale University and was a member of Manuscript Society
  • Jen Stills, American singer and songwriter, daughter of Stephen Stills
  • Jen McClanaghan, American poet, winner of the 2009 Georgetown Review Prize
  • Jen Lilley, American actress


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