Origin & Meaning of the Nettles Surname
What does the last name Nettles mean?
The surname Nettles carries the meaning "Son of Nettles." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 11,302 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nettles ranks as the #3,198 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nettles come from?
The Nettles surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese 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 Nettles name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nettles trace back to Spanish. 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 | Nettles |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Nettles |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,198 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,302 |
| Per 100K People | 3.83 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nettles
According to the US Census, the Nettles surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,302 Americans with the Nettles last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 57.08% |
| Black | 38.3% |
| Hispanic | 1.92% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.36% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 1.94% |
Popularity of Nettles Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nettles surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nettles surname increased by 591 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Nettles Family
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- ✓ The Nettles coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
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- ✓ Notable Nettles bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Nettles
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nettles.
Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Nettles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nettles
Top Surnames Starting with N
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter N, ranked by population.
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