An extract from Karl Dons's work The Danish-Norwegian Family Dons. The family may possibly originate from Jutland in the vicinity of Randers or Mariager. The earliest known progenitor is one Jens Paulsen of 'Thue gaard'. The surname Dons appeared only after the family came to Trondheim; its etymology remains uncertain. Reference is made to a village called 'Dons' near Kolding in Jutland — a coincidence of nomenclature that one notes without drawing any firm conclusions.