Origin & Meaning of the Nilson Surname
What does the last name Nilson mean?
The surname Nilson carries the meaning "Son of Nil." 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 10,010 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nilson ranks as the #3,562 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nilson come from?
The Nilson 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 Nilson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nilson 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 | Nilson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Nil |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,562 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,010 |
| Per 100K People | 3.39 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nilson
According to the US Census, the Nilson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,010 Americans with the Nilson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 66.04% |
| Black | 27.47% |
| Hispanic | 2.59% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.69% |
| Native American | 0.93% |
| Two or More Races | 2.28% |
Popularity of Nilson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nilson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nilson surname increased by 6,548 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Nilson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Nilson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Nilson Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Nilson Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Nilson
- ✓ The Nilson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Nilson families live today
- ✓ Notable Nilson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Nilson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nilson.
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 Nilson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nilson
Top Surnames Starting with N
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter N, ranked by population.
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