Nicholson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Nicholson come from? What does the surname Nicholson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Nicholson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Nicholson Origin: What does the last name Nicholson mean?
The Nicholson surname is of Germanic and Scottish origin, stemming from the patronymic form of the given name Nichol, a medieval variation of Nicholas. YourRoots data indicates that the surname Nicholson first appeared in records in the United Kingdom around the early 15th century. The name remained closely associated with the UK in the 15th and 16th centuries, but by the 17th century, there was a notable increase in Nicholson family records in the United States, marking the beginning of its spread to the New World.
By the 17th century, the Nicholson surname had gained significant prominence in the United States, surpassing its frequency in the UK. Today, the Nicholson surname remains prevalent in both the United States and the United Kingdom, showcasing its enduring presence in these regions. The surname's history reflects a blend of Germanic and Scottish heritage and signifies its continued prevalence and evolution in various regions and cultures.
Nicholson Last Name History: Where did the last name Nicholson come from?
Origin of Nicholson Surname: Where does the last name Nicholson originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Nicholson first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Nicholson” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Nicholson: What does the Nicholson surname history look like in the early days?
The “Nicholson” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 15th through the 16th century. However, as early as the 17th century, there was a significant increase in the volume of Nicholson family records in the United States, indicating the start of the surname's spread to the New World.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Nicholson surname today?
By the 17th century, the frequency of records with the Nicholson surname had grown significantly in the United States. By the early 18th century, it had surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the “Nicholson” surname remains prominent in the United States and the United Kingdom, indicating its continued prevalence in these regions.
Explore Nicholson last name heritage and Nicholson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Nicholson Surame?
Jack Nicholson
John Joseph Nicholson (April 22, 1937) is an American retired actor and filmmaker known for his rebellious roles in iconic films like "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "The Shining," and "Batman." With three Academy Awards and a career spanning five decades, Nicholson is considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. Beyond his on-screen success, he also directed three films and is one of the most nominated male actors in Academy Award history. Nicholson's unique charisma and talent have left a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
Julianne Nicholson
Julianne Nicholson (July 1, 1971 - ) is an American actress known for her roles in the film "August: Osage County" (2013) and the TV series "Mare of Easttown" (2021), for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award. She has also appeared in "I, Tonya" (2017) and "Boardwalk Empire" (2011-2013), showcasing her versatility in both film and television.
Lorraine Nicholson
Lorraine Broussard Nicholson (born April 16, 1990) is an American actress known for her role as Alana Blanchard in the biographical film Soul Surfer (2011). She comes from a family of actors, including her famous father Jack Nicholson. Nicholson has also worked behind the camera, writing, producing, and directing various short films, showcasing her talent and versatility in the film industry.
Rhys Nicholson
Rhys Nicholson (April 22, 1990 - ) is an Australian comedian and actor known for his role as a judge on Drag Race Down Under. He has appeared on various TV shows, including The Weekly with Charlie Pickering and RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under. Nicholson is openly gay and non-binary, and he has used his platform to raise awareness about important issues like marriage equality and mental health. In addition to his TV work, Nicholson has also performed in numerous live solo shows and even released a book. He continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Ben Nicholson
Benjamin Lauder Nicholson, OM (10 Apr 1894 – 6 Feb 1982) was an English painter known for his abstract compositions, landscapes, and still-life works. Born into a family of artists, he was a key figure in promoting abstract art in England. Nicholson's unique style was influenced by European trends like Synthetic Cubism and neoplasticism, but he managed to create a distinctive approach of his own. His notable works include wood reliefs and murals, showcasing his commitment to making abstract art accessible to the public. With multiple marriages and accolades like the Carnegie Prize, Nicholson left a lasting impact on the art world until his passing in 1982.
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