Origin & Meaning of the Nelson Surname
What does the last name Nelson mean?
The surname Nelson carries the meaning "Son of Nel." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 424,958 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nelson ranks as the #43 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nelson come from?
The Nelson surname has its roots in English/Scandinavian heritage. Names of English/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 Nelson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nelson trace back to 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 | Nelson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Nel |
| Origin | English/Scandinavian |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #43 |
| US Count (2010) | 424,958 |
| Per 100K People | 144.06 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nelson
According to the US Census, the Nelson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 424,958 Americans with the Nelson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.66% |
| Black | 15.97% |
| Hispanic | 2.55% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.67% |
| Native American | 1.16% |
| Two or More Races | 2.0% |
Popularity of Nelson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nelson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nelson surname increased by 12,722 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Nelson
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Other English/Scandinavian Surnames
Explore more surnames with English/Scandinavian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English/Scandinavian origin as Nelson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson
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