Origin & Meaning of the Nissen Surname
What does the last name Nissen mean?
The surname Nissen carries the meaning "Son of Nis." 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 4,964 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nissen ranks as the #6,796 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nissen come from?
The Nissen 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 Nissen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nissen 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 | Nissen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Nis |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,796 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,964 |
| Per 100K People | 1.68 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nissen
According to the US Census, the Nissen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,964 Americans with the Nissen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.0% |
| Black | 0.22% |
| Hispanic | 2.26% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.99% |
| Native American | 0.22% |
| Two or More Races | 1.31% |
Popularity of Nissen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nissen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nissen surname decreased by 54 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nissen
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