Nellis — Last Name Origin & Meaning

European origin Rank #10,603 in the US 3,020 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#10,603
▼ Down 120 since 2000
People in the US
3,020
1.02 per 100K people
Origin
European
European

Origin & Meaning of the Nellis Surname

What does the last name Nellis mean?

The surname Nellis carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,020 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nellis ranks as the #10,603 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Nellis come from?

The Nellis surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Nellis name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

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

European European

Quick Facts

Surname Nellis
Meaning Family name of European origin
Origin European
Language European
US Rank (2010) #10,603
US Count (2010) 3,020
Per 100K People 1.02
First Letter N

Ethnic Distribution of Nellis

According to the US Census, the Nellis surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,020 Americans with the Nellis last name.

White 90.93%
Black 2.68%
Hispanic 3.38%
Asian/PI 0.83%
Native American 0.43%
Two+ Races 1.75%
Ethnic distribution of the Nellis surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White90.93%
Black2.68%
Hispanic3.38%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.83%
Native American0.43%
Two or More Races1.75%

Popularity of Nellis Over Time

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

Census 2000
#10,483
2,810 people
Down 120
Census 2010
#10,603
3,020 people

The number of Americans with the Nellis surname increased by 210 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Nellis Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Nellis

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

Other European Surnames

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Nellis

The surname Nellis is of European origin. Family name of European origin
The surname Nellis is ranked #10,603 in the United States with approximately 3,020 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Family name of European origin. The name has European roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Nellis surname is distributed as: 90.9% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Nellis 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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