Origin & Meaning of the Nielsen Surname
What does the last name Nielsen mean?
The surname Nielsen carries the meaning "Son of Niel." 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 42,773 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nielsen ranks as the #810 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nielsen come from?
The Nielsen 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 Nielsen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nielsen 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 | Nielsen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Niel |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #810 |
| US Count (2010) | 42,773 |
| Per 100K People | 14.5 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nielsen
According to the US Census, the Nielsen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 42,773 Americans with the Nielsen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.15% |
| Black | 0.35% |
| Hispanic | 2.71% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.88% |
| Native American | 0.41% |
| Two or More Races | 1.5% |
Popularity of Nielsen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nielsen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nielsen surname increased by 1,766 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Nielsen Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Nielsen ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Nielsen
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nielsen.
Other Scandinavian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Scandinavian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Scandinavian origin as Nielsen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nielsen
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Nielsen surname also look for: