The name Jens has its origins in the Scandinavian languages of the Nordic countries. It is derived from the Old Norse name Jóhannes, which in turn traces its roots back to the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The name Jens is a shortened version of Jóhannes, which was a common practice in medieval times.

In the Viking era, between the 8th and 11th centuries, the name Jens gained popularity among the Norse people, particularly in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It was often given to newborn boys as a way to honor the biblical figure John the Baptist or the Apostle John.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Jens can be found in medieval Scandinavian manuscripts and historical records. One notable example is Jens Grand, a Danish nobleman and military commander who lived in the 13th century and played a significant role in the battles against the German Teutonic Knights.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jens. One of the most famous was Jens Munk (1579-1628), a Danish explorer who led an expedition to the Arctic regions in search of the Northwest Passage. Another notable figure was Jens Baggesen (1764-1826), a Danish poet and satirist who made significant contributions to the Romantic literary movement.

In the field of science, Jens Christian Skou (1918-2018) was a Danish chemist and Nobel laureate, recognized for his groundbreaking work on the sodium-potassium pump in cell membranes. Jens Olsen (1918-1992) was a Danish World War II resistance fighter and recipient of the prestigious Resistance Medal.

The name Jens has also been associated with several influential figures in the arts and culture. Jens Juel (1745-1802) was a Danish painter known for his portraits of the Danish royal family and nobility. Jens Bjørneboe (1920-1976) was a Norwegian writer and intellectual, renowned for his novels and plays addressing social and political issues.