Christensen

/ˈkrɪstənsən/ noun

Definition

A Danish and Norwegian surname meaning 'son of Christen/Christian'.

Etymology

Patronymic surname from 'Christen' (Danish/Norwegian form of Christian) + '-sen' (son of). Derives ultimately from Greek 'Christos' meaning 'anointed one'. Common in Scandinavian countries and their diaspora communities.

Kelly Says

Scandinavian patronymic surnames like Christensen were traditionally not hereditary - each generation would take their father's name plus '-sen' or '-son'. The system was so fluid that siblings could have different last names!

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