Nell — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Unknown origin Rank #14,378 in the US 2,079 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#14,378
▼ Down 3076 since 2000
People in the US
2,079
0.7 per 100K people
Origin
Unknown
Unknown

Origin & Meaning of the Nell Surname

What does the last name Nell mean?

The surname Nell carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,079 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nell ranks as the #14,378 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Nell come from?

The Nell surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown 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 Nell name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

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

Unknown Unknown

Quick Facts

Surname Nell
Meaning Origin and meaning under research
Origin Unknown
Language Unknown
US Rank (2010) #14,378
US Count (2010) 2,079
Per 100K People 0.7
First Letter N

Ethnic Distribution of Nell

According to the US Census, the Nell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,079 Americans with the Nell last name.

White 84.85%
Black 7.65%
Hispanic 4.95%
Asian/PI 0.87%
Native American 0.29%
Two+ Races 1.39%
Ethnic distribution of the Nell surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White84.85%
Black7.65%
Hispanic4.95%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.87%
Native American0.29%
Two or More Races1.39%

Popularity of Nell Over Time

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

Census 2000
#11,302
2,565 people
Down 3076
Census 2010
#14,378
2,079 people

The number of Americans with the Nell surname decreased by 486 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Nell Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Nell

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

Other Unknown Surnames

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Nell

The surname Nell is of Unknown origin. Origin and meaning under research
The surname Nell is ranked #14,378 in the United States with approximately 2,079 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Origin and meaning under research. The name has Unknown roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Nell surname is distributed as: 84.8% White, 7.7% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Nell 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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