Origin & Meaning of the Nilsson Surname
What does the last name Nilsson mean?
The surname Nilsson carries the meaning "Son of Nils." 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 3,223 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nilsson ranks as the #10,001 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nilsson come from?
The Nilsson 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 Nilsson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nilsson 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 | Nilsson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Nils |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,001 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,223 |
| Per 100K People | 1.09 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nilsson
According to the US Census, the Nilsson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,223 Americans with the Nilsson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.05% |
| Black | 0.5% |
| Hispanic | 3.51% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.09% |
| Native American | 0.19% |
| Two or More Races | 1.68% |
Popularity of Nilsson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nilsson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nilsson surname increased by 144 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Nilsson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Nilsson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Nilsson Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Nilsson Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Nilsson
- ✓ The Nilsson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Nilsson families live today
- ✓ Notable Nilsson 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 Nilsson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nilsson.
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 Nilsson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nilsson
Top Surnames Starting with N
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter N, ranked by population.
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