Summary

A surname of Scottish origin, Neilson is derived from the son of Neal or Niall. The name means 'champion' or 'cloud'. It has a rich history and is commonly associated with individuals of Scottish ancestry.
There are
6553
Neilsons in the USA
Neilson is the
5319th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Neilson

ThomasNeilson

Thomas Neilson was a Scottish mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of calculus in the 18th century.

MargaretNeilson

Margaret Neilson Armstrong was an American book cover designer and illustrator known for her influential work during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

JohnNeilson

John Neilson was a Canadian newspaper publisher and politician who played a key role in the movement for responsible government in the early 19th century.

WilliamNeilson

William Neilson was an Irish-born American chemist and educator who made significant advancements in the field of agricultural chemistry during the late 19th century.

RobertNeilson

Robert Neilson was a Scottish engineer and inventor who developed the Neilson locomotive, an important early steam locomotive design in the 19th century.

BettyNeilson

Betty Neilson was a British aviator who broke several flight records and played a crucial role in the Air Transport Auxiliary during World War II.

AlexanderNeilson

Alexander Neilson was a Scottish physician and pioneer in the field of vaccination during the early 19th century, particularly known for his work on smallpox vaccine.

Neilson Genealogy

OriginsThe surname Neilson has origins in Scotland and Ireland.
Geographic DistributionThe name Neilson is most commonly found in Scotland, Ireland, and other regions with significant Scottish and Irish diaspora.
VariationsVariations of the surname Neilson include Nelson, Neill, and Nilsen.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of people with the surname Neilson occurred mainly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Scottish and Irish individuals bearing the name Neilson migrated to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, seeking better economic opportunities and a new life.