Origin & Meaning of the Neilson Surname
What does the last name Neilson mean?
The surname Neilson carries the meaning "Son of Neil." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 6,553 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Neilson ranks as the #5,319 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Neilson come from?
The Neilson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Neilson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Neilson trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Neilson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Neil |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,319 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,553 |
| Per 100K People | 2.22 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Neilson
According to the US Census, the Neilson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,553 Americans with the Neilson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.34% |
| Black | 2.43% |
| Hispanic | 2.35% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.56% |
| Two or More Races | 1.71% |
Popularity of Neilson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Neilson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Neilson surname increased by 256 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Neilson
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