Jenkyns

Flemish

"little John"

Jenkyns Origin and Meaning

The name Jenkyns is a boy's name.

Jenkyns is a rare masculine name of Welsh origin derived from the personal name Jenkin, which itself is a medieval diminutive form of John. The name means "God is gracious" or "Jehovah has been gracious." Jenkyns began as a patronymic surname indicating "son of Jenkin" before occasionally transitioning to first name usage. The distinctive 'y' spelling and final 's' give it an archaic, distinguished quality that sets it apart from the more common Jenkins. While never achieving mainstream popularity, Jenkyns has persisted through generations as a distinctive heritage name, particularly in families with Welsh roots who appreciate its traditional character and historical resonance.