There are
4158
Nilsens in the USA
Nilsen is the
7956th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Nilsen

JohnNilsen

Renowned Norwegian explorer who led several expeditions to the Arctic region during the late 19th century.

KarenNilsen

Influential Norwegian suffragette and women's rights advocate who played a key role in fighting for gender equality in the early 20th century.

ErikNilsen

Swedish mathematician and pioneer in the field of algebraic geometry, known for his groundbreaking contributions during the mid-18th century.

AnnaNilsen

Celebrated Danish author and playwright, best known for her emotionally charged novels that explored complex human relationships in the late 19th century.

OleNilsen

Influential Norwegian economist and social theorist, recognized for his progressive ideas and reforms that shaped the nation's economic policies during the early 20th century.

Nilsen Genealogy

OriginsThe surname Nilsen has Scandinavian origins, particularly from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Geographic DistributionNilsen is predominantly found in these countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and also in parts of the United States and Canada where Scandinavian immigrants settled.
VariationsVariations of the surname include Nilsson and Nelson.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of people with the surname Nilsen occurred primarily during the 19th and 20th centuries. Many individuals bearing the surname migrated from Scandinavia to North America, particularly settling in regions such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. The primary reasons for migration were opportunities for better economic prospects, escape from political unrest, and the search for religious freedom.