Origin & Meaning of the Nielson Surname
What does the last name Nielson mean?
The surname Nielson carries the meaning "Son of Niel." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 11,511 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nielson ranks as the #3,137 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nielson come from?
The Nielson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Nielson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nielson trace back to Old 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 | Nielson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Niel |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,137 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,511 |
| Per 100K People | 3.9 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nielson
According to the US Census, the Nielson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,511 Americans with the Nielson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.88% |
| Black | 0.78% |
| Hispanic | 2.6% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.72% |
| Native American | 0.58% |
| Two or More Races | 1.43% |
Popularity of Nielson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nielson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nielson surname increased by 1,101 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Nielson coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Nielson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nielson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Nielson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nielson
Top Surnames Starting with N
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter N, ranked by population.
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