Neilsen — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Scandinavian origin Rank #17,764 in the US 1,577 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#17,764
▼ Down 338 since 2000
People in the US
1,577
0.53 per 100K people
Origin
Scandinavian
Old Norse

Origin & Meaning of the Neilsen Surname

What does the last name Neilsen mean?

The surname Neilsen carries the meaning "Son of Neil." It is derived from the Old Norse language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,577 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Neilsen ranks as the #17,764 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Neilsen come from?

The Neilsen surname has its roots in Scandinavian heritage. Names of Scandinavian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Neilsen name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Neilsen trace back to Old Norse. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

Scandinavian Old Norse

Quick Facts

Surname Neilsen
Meaning Son of Neil
Origin Scandinavian
Language Old Norse
US Rank (2010) #17,764
US Count (2010) 1,577
Per 100K People 0.53
First Letter N

Ethnic Distribution of Neilsen

According to the US Census, the Neilsen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,577 Americans with the Neilsen last name.

White 92.64%
Black 0.57%
Hispanic 2.54%
Asian/PI 1.14%
Native American 0.76%
Two+ Races 2.35%
Ethnic distribution of the Neilsen surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White92.64%
Black0.57%
Hispanic2.54%
Asian/Pacific Islander1.14%
Native American0.76%
Two or More Races2.35%

Popularity of Neilsen Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Neilsen surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#17,426
1,492 people
Down 338
Census 2010
#17,764
1,577 people

The number of Americans with the Neilsen surname increased by 85 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Neilsen Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Neilsen ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Neilsen

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Neilsen.

Other Scandinavian Surnames

Explore more surnames with Scandinavian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Scandinavian origin as Neilsen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neilsen

The surname Neilsen is of Scandinavian origin. Son of Neil
The surname Neilsen is ranked #17,764 in the United States with approximately 1,577 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Son of Neil. The name has Scandinavian roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Neilsen surname is distributed as: 92.6% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Neilsen ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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