Origin & Meaning of the Nelsen Surname
What does the last name Nelsen mean?
The surname Nelsen carries the meaning "Son of Nel." 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 6,825 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nelsen ranks as the #5,128 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nelsen come from?
The Nelsen 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 Nelsen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nelsen 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.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Nelsen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Nel |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,128 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,825 |
| Per 100K People | 2.31 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nelsen
According to the US Census, the Nelsen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,825 Americans with the Nelsen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.97% |
| Black | 0.57% |
| Hispanic | 2.24% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.59% |
| Native American | 0.28% |
| Two or More Races | 1.35% |
Popularity of Nelsen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nelsen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nelsen surname increased by 473 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nelsen
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