Hansen is a Scandinavian surname that originated in Denmark and Norway. It is derived from the given name Hans, which means "God is gracious" in Germanic languages. The name Hansen is commonly found in countries with a strong Scandinavian influence, such as Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Individuals with the surname Hansen are often of Danish or Norwegian descent and may have ancestors who were farmers or fishermen. The name Hansen is a common and well-known surname in the Scandinavian region, with many notable figures bearing this name.