Surname Nehles - Meaning and Origin

Nehles: What does the surname Nehles mean?

The last name Nehles is an anglicization of the German name Naegele. Naegele is derived from the German word Naegelein, meaning "little nails" or "small nails." The origin of the name is uncertain, but it is thought to be related to the German word nageln, meaning "to fasten with nails." It is believed that the first family to bear the Nehles surname descended from a person who was associated with this type of work, such as a carpenter or blacksmith who used small nails in their trade.

In Germany Nehles is a fairly common name, and can be found in many areas of the country. It is thought that the Nehles family has its roots in Germany, not only because of the origin of the name, but also because of its prevalence there and the occurrence of the name in many records from the Middle Ages onward.

In terms of the meaning of the name, the most likely explanation is that Nehles evolved from the German word, Naegelein, and therefore suggests a small-nailed worker such as a carpenter or blacksmith. It could also be interpreted as indicating a person who was neat and precise in their work, as small nails are often used to more accurately fasten pieces together.

Overall, the name Nehles is most likely derived from the German word Naegelein, which means "little nails." It initially indicated an occupation such as a carpenter or blacksmith, and may also suggest qualities such as neatness and precision.

Nehles: Where does the name Nehles come from?

The surname Nehles is primarily found in European countries, with a heavier concentration in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. According to an international database of surnames, the Nehles surname is most common in Germany, followed by much smaller concentrations in the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, and Switzerland.

In Germany, the surname is found in all parts of the country, but is most common in the Nordrhein-Westfalen, Bayern, Sachsen-Anhalt, Niedersachsen, and Berlin regions. In the Netherlands it is primarily found in the southern and eastern parts of the country.

In the United States, Nehles is not a particularly common surname. It is most concentrated in the midwest, with Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska having the highest concentration. Other states where it is found include California, Florida, and Texas.

While the Nehles surname is not particularly common today, the ancient Germanic origins of the surname are still clearly evident. It is derived from old German elements such as “neh” which meant “new” and was used to refer to people who had recently moved into a region, and “el” which meant “law” and was a reference to someone who was an expert in legal matters. Thus the surname was first given to lawyers and politicians who had recently moved into areas with existing legal systems.

Variations of the surname Nehles

The Nehles surname has several variations, spellings, and ancestral derivatives.

The most common variants of Nehles are Nehls, Nehl, Nehells, Nahl, Nehlsen, Nehlson, and Neles.

If we look back further to its ancestral roots, Nehles can be compared with the German name Nietzel. Variants of Nietzel include "Nitzel", "Nidzelski", and "Nietzels".

Another possible origin of the Nehles surname is the ancient surname "Niels". Variations on this name include Nils, Nilssen, Nilson, and Nilsen.

In the Low German area, "Nehalem" is believed to be a regional variation of the surname.

There may be other variations and surnames of the same origin. It is difficult to definitively trace the root of the Nehles surname as the surname itself is believed to have arisen in multiple places around the world independently. For example, some Nehles may have originated in Ireland while others from Scandinavia or Germany.

Given the multiple potential roots of the Nehles surname, it is best to explore the surnames of your ancestors to further understand the true origin of your surname and any associated variants and spellings.

Famous people with the name Nehles

• Corey Nehles: Skateboarder/Filmmaker
• Alicia Nehles: Sport Shooter
• Renita Nehles: Novelist and Author
• Peter Nehles: Journalist
• William Nehles: Filmmaker
• Anika Nehles: Singer
• Johannes Nehles: Astronaut
• Ted Nehles: Radio Host
• Andrea Nehles: Paintball Player
• Titus Nehles: Football Player
• Mikey Nehles: Ambient Music Producer
• Johnathan Nehles: Drummer
• Marianne Nehles: Musician
• Franz Nehles: Surfer
• Sterling Nehles: Actor
• Ivy Nehles: Photographer
• Cora Nehles: Fashion Designer
• Gordon Nehles: Professional Biker
• Leo Nehles: YouTube Vlogger
• Wilfried Nehles: Veteran

Other surnames

Nehlen