Neilson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Neilson come from? What does the surname Neilson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Neilson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Neilson Origin: What does the last name Neilson mean?
The surname Neilson is a patronymic name that originated from the Gaelic term 'Niall', potentially meaning "Champion" or "Cloud". It is commonly found in English-speaking countries and can be associated with the Irish MacNeil or the Scandinavian Nielsen. The name first appeared in records from Scotland in the 1501s, and it remained closely linked to Scotland for centuries. Over time, Neilson family records have also been found in the United States, Australia, Canada, England, and New Zealand, indicating a global spread of the surname.
YourRoots data confirms the historical presence of the Neilson surname in Scotland and its subsequent expansion to other countries. By the 20th century, the volume of Neilson records significantly increased in the United States, with the name retaining prominence in Scotland and appearing in various countries worldwide. The surname Neilson reflects a rich history and continues to be prevalent in multiple regions, showcasing its enduring legacy and global reach.
Neilson Last Name History: Where did the last name Neilson come from?
Origin of Neilson Surname: Where does the last name Neilson originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Neilson first appeared in records from Scotland (United Kingdom) during the 1501.0. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Neilson spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Neilson: What does the Neilson surname history look like in the early days?
The Neilson surname remained closely associated with Scotland (United Kingdom) from the 1501.0 to the 1801.0 centuries. YourRoots data also shows Neilson family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Neilson surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Neilson surname grew significantly in the United States. The Neilson surname remains prominent in Scotland (United Kingdom) and appears in many countries, including Australia, Canada, England, and New Zealand.
Explore Neilson last name heritage and Neilson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Neilson Surame?
Donald Neilson
Donald Neilson (August 1, 1936 – December 18, 2011), also known as "The Black Panther," was an English criminal infamous for armed robberies, kidnappings, and murders in the 1970s. Neilson committed a series of post office robberies, leading to the deaths of three individuals. His most notorious crime was the kidnapping and tragic death of Lesley Whittle, an heiress, in 1975. Neilson was eventually arrested, convicted of multiple murders, and sentenced to life in prison. His criminal activities and capture garnered significant media attention during that time, earning him the moniker "The Black Panther."
Robbie Neilson
Robbie Neilson (born 19 Jun 1980) is a Scottish former professional football player and manager known for his time at clubs like Hearts, Leicester City, and Dundee United. Neilson won the Scottish Cup with Hearts in 2006 and later led Hearts to the Scottish Championship title in 2014-15. He also managed teams like Milton Keynes Dons and Dundee United, guiding the latter to promotion in the 2019-20 season. Neilson is a well-respected figure in Scottish football, known for his tactical acumen and leadership on and off the field.
David Neilson
David Neilson (born March 13, 1949) is an English actor best known for his role as cafe owner Roy Cropper in the popular ITV soap opera Coronation Street since 1995. Neilson has also appeared in various television shows and movies including Z-Cars, EastEnders, and Mike Leigh films like Life Is Sweet. Outside of acting, he is a dedicated supporter of Leicester City Football Club and has participated in charity events to raise awareness for prostate cancer. Neilson's versatile acting career and charitable efforts have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Roger Neilson
Roger Paul Neilson (June 16, 1934 – June 21, 2003) was a Canadian professional ice hockey coach, known for his technological contributions to the game. Nicknamed Captain Video, he coached in the NHL with eight teams and is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Neilson's coaching career began in the Ontario Hockey League before moving on to the NHL with teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and Philadelphia Flyers. He was known for his coaching antics and the creation of several NHL rules. Neilson's legacy in the hockey world is still celebrated today.
Lois Neilson
Lois Neilson Laurel (September 7, 1895 – July 9, 1990) was an American silent movie actress known for her roles in early Hollywood films. She was the first wife of actor and comedian Stan Laurel, with whom she appeared in movies like "Do You Love Your Wife?" The couple had a daughter named Lois and a son named Stanley, though tragically, their son passed away shortly after birth. Despite their divorce in 1934, Neilson remained connected to Hollywood through her daughter, who went on to marry actor Rand Brooks. Neilson's contributions to the silent film era and her connections to famous figures in the industry make her a notable figure in Hollywood history.
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