Origin & Meaning of the Nilsen Surname
What does the last name Nilsen mean?
The surname Nilsen carries the meaning "Son of Nil." 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 4,158 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nilsen ranks as the #7,956 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nilsen come from?
The Nilsen 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 Nilsen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nilsen 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 | Nilsen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Nil |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,956 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,158 |
| Per 100K People | 1.41 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nilsen
According to the US Census, the Nilsen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,158 Americans with the Nilsen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.72% |
| Black | 0.29% |
| Hispanic | 3.39% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.91% |
| Native American | 0.29% |
| Two or More Races | 1.39% |
Popularity of Nilsen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nilsen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nilsen surname increased by 298 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Nilsen Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Nilsen ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Nilsen
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nilsen.
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 Nilsen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nilsen
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Nilsen surname also look for: