Jenkins is a rare Welsh given name derived from Jenkin ap Thomas, a 14th-century Welsh bard. Its meaning, "white lord" or "fair chief," comes from its components jen ("white/fair") and kin ("lord/chief"). While of Welsh origin, Jenkins has been more commonly associated with England's southwestern region. Despite not being particularly popular recently, it remains distinct and is often linked to Wales' history, as seen in notable figures like Jesse L. Jenkins and Jenkin Williams.