The given name Jansen has its origins in the Dutch language, where it emerged as a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Jan, itself a Dutch form of the Latin name Johannes and the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The name Jansen gained popularity in the Low Countries, particularly in the Netherlands and neighboring regions, during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jansen can be traced back to the 13th century, when it appeared in various Dutch historical records and documents. As a given name, Jansen was likely adopted by individuals whose fathers or ancestors bore the surname Jansen, reflecting the naming conventions of the time.

Historically, the name Jansen has been associated with notable figures in various fields, including the arts, sciences, and literature. One prominent bearer of the name was Cornelis Jansen (1585-1638), a Dutch Catholic theologian and the author of the influential work "Augustinus," which laid the foundations for the Jansenist movement within the Catholic Church.

Another well-known individual with the name Jansen was Zacharias Janssen (c. 1585-c. 1632), a Dutch spectacle-maker who is credited with contributing to the development of the compound microscope and the telescope in the early 17th century, paving the way for significant advancements in scientific observation and exploration.

In the realm of art, the Dutch Golden Age painter Hieronymus Janssens (c. 1620-1689) gained recognition for his portraiture and historical paintings, which captured the opulence and grandeur of the Dutch aristocracy and upper classes during that period.

Moving forward in time, the 19th century witnessed the birth of Johannes Diderik van der Waals (1837-1923), a Dutch theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate who made pioneering contributions to the study of thermodynamics and the behavior of gases and liquids, leading to the formulation of the renowned van der Waals equation.

Another notable figure bearing the name Jansen was the Dutch writer and essayist Hendrik Marsman (1899-1940), who was part of the influential literary movement known as the "Nieuwe Zakelijkheid" (New Objectivity) and whose works explored themes of modernity, urban life, and the human condition.

While the name Jansen has Dutch roots, it has since been adopted and used across various cultures and regions, reflecting the widespread influence and migration patterns of Dutch settlers and communities throughout history.