Surname Neelsen - Meaning and Origin

Neelsen: What does the surname Neelsen mean?

The last name Neelsen is of German and Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Middle Dutch and Middle Low German word “neel”, meaning “narrow” or “slim”. This suggests that the original bearer of the name had a narrow physique or frame. Over time, it was also used as an occupational or regional surname. People with this last name may have been workers in the manufacture of linen, a reference to the narrow threads of fabric. It could also have been used to indicate those who lived near a narrow strip of land such as a stream, fjord, or valley.

The Neelsen surname may have also been derived from the Middle High German term “nebele” which translates to “little cloud”. This could be a reference to those living or working near a cloudy mountain or peak. In some cases, it could also have been a form of the Norse personal name “Niel”.

Today, people bearing the last name Neelsen can be found in countries such as Germany, Scandinavia, the United States, Canada, and other former Germanic territories. In German-speaking countries and among German-Americans, the name is typically pronounced “neh-len” whereas in Dutch, it is typically pronounced “neh-lee-zen”. Regardless of its origin, Neelsen is a unique and interesting surname.

Neelsen: Where does the name Neelsen come from?

The last name Neelsen is most commonly found in Germany, Denmark, and parts of the Netherlands. While it is a comparatively rare surname, it absolutely exists in a wide variety of areas around the world.

In Germany, Neelsen can be found in all of the country's states, with the highest concentrations in the northern states of Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg. The surname is also widespread in Saxony and Lower Saxony. In the Netherlands, Neelsen is especially prominent in Limburg and North Brabant.

In the United States, the Neelsen surname is quite common in the state of Wisconsin, where a high concentration of Danish immigrants settled in the 19th century. Reports show that as of the 2000 United States Census, Wisconsin had the 15th highest number of Neelsen residents in the country, just behind Massachusetts and Michigan.

In addition, the name Neelsen is seen in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and across the United Kingdom. As families have migrated to various countries throughout the generations, the surname has followed suit, making it possible to locate Neelsens in many locations around the world.

Variations of the surname Neelsen

The surname Neelsen is derived from the given name Neil, which is a Gaelic variation of the name Niall. It was originally used as a patronymic name for descendants of Niall.

Variants of the surname Neelsen include Nealson, Neals, Neilson, Nilson, Neilsen, Nelsen, Nielson, Nilsen, and Niels. Alternate spellings of Neelsen include Nellson, Nellsen, and Nels.

There are various patronymic surnames derived from the surname ‘Neelsen’. These include Nelsen-son, Neilson-son, Nilson-son, Nilsen-son, Nielson-son, and Nielsen-son.

The surname Neelsen has been found in various countries, from the United States to Europe, but has its earliest recorded presence in Germany. In Germany, it is one of the most common surnames, and is roughly equivalent to the English variant ‘Nelson’. It is also a common surname in Denmark and other Scandinavian countries.

In Scotland, the surname Neelsen is found relatively scarcely, with most instances recorded in rural farming communities.

Several notable people have been born with the Neelsen surname, including Fritz Nelsen, an American mathematician; Lyndon Neelson, a Canadian politician; and Peter Neelsen, a Danish politician.

The Neelsen surname is a common one, with many variants, alternate spellings, and patronymic surnames all having the same origin. Generally, the surname has been found in various countries, including Germany, Denmark, Scotland, and the United States.

Famous people with the name Neelsen

• Markus Neelen: German footballer
• Martin Neelsen: Danish tennis player
• Alexander Neelsen: Danish football player
• Seth Neelsen: American reality TV star
• Jens Neelsen: Danish footballer
• Lars Neelsen: Norwegian footballer
• Bjarne Neelsen: Danish weightlifter
• Rune Neelsen: Norwegian rock musician
• Christian Neelsen: German table-tennis player
• Claus Neelsen: Danish rock musician
• Erich Neelsen: German artist
• David Neelsen: American politician
• Tom Neelsen: Danish footballer
• Jan Neelsen: Norwegian football player
• Oluf Neelsen: Danish chess master
• Frank Neelsen: Danish theatre director
• Christoffer Neelsen: Danish football player
• Louise Neelsen: Danish photographer
• Ruth Neelsen: Danish badminton player
• Brian Neelsen: American engineer

Other surnames

NeelsNeelssen