Show ContentsNelson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The history of the name Nelson begins with the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is derived from a patronymic name created from the given name "Nell," or for the Irish, "Niall." The name is also listed as a baptismal name "the son of Eleanor" from the nickname "Nell."

Early Origins of the Nelson family

The surname Nelson was first found in Lancashire (located in northwest England and dates back to 1180), where records show many instances of the name in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 where Adam Nel was listed. Most are from Lancashire, but there is another from Cambridge: John filius Nel. William Neleson was listed in the Rolls of Parliament. [1]

"The Banastres of Maudsley adopted the name of Maudesley, and bore the cross sable of Banastre. In 1377 Richard Nelson (Fitz-Nigel) of Maudsley (a branch of the Maudsleys), whose descendants bore the arms of Maudsley (with a bend), granted lands at Maudsley with remainder to George, son of Robert Nelson. In 1405 Robert Nelson of Maudsley conveyed lands to Peter Banastre and Edward Maudesley, and sealed with the above arms." [2]

"Nelson is a name found in Cumberland and Westmoreland, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Lincoln, and Norfolk. The naval hero of the name was son of a Norfolk rector. Nelson is a Lancashire town. The Fairhurst Nelsons, who owned Fairhurst Hall, Eccleston, during the last and in the present century, belong to an ancient family, a branch of which held lands in Mawdesley as far back as the reign of Richard II. " [3]

Early History of the Nelson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nelson research. Another 95 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1180, 1350, 1638, 1654, 1656, 1686, 1715, 1734, 1758, 1766, 1805 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Nelson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nelson Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore, spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Nelson has been recorded under many different variations, including Nelson, Nellson, Nelsan, Nelston, Neleson and others.

Early Notables of the Nelson family

Notables of the family at this time include

  • Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronte KB (1758-1805) the British flag officer in the Royal Navy, widely regarded as one of the greatest naval commanders in history
  • John Nalson (1638?-1686), was an English clergyman, historian and early Tory pamphleteer; Robert Nelson (1656-1715), an English lay religious writer and nonjuror; John Nelson (1654-1734), an English c...

Nelson World Ranking

In the United States, the name Nelson is the 39th most popular surname with an estimated 402,894 people with that name. [4] However, in Canada, the name Nelson is ranked the 112nd most popular surname with an estimated 26,174 people with that name. [5] And in Australia, the name Nelson is the 150th popular surname with an estimated 19,500 people with that name. [6] New Zealand ranks Nelson as 107th with 3,932 people. [7] The United Kingdom ranks Nelson as 217th with 26,572 people. [8] South Africa ranks Nelson as 777th with 8,880 people. [9]

Ireland Migration of the Nelson family to Ireland

Some of the Nelson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 111 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Nelson migration to the United States +

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Nelson or a variant listed above:

Nelson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Francis Nelson, who arrived in Virginia in 1606
  • Robert Nelson, who landed in America in 1620 [10]
  • George Nelson, aged 19, who settled in Virginia in 1623 aboard the ship "Francis Bonaventure", found in Jamestown [10]
  • Miche Nelson, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1627 [10]
  • Joseph Nelson, aged 26, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Plain Joan" [10]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Nelson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Thomas Nelson, who settled in Yorktown, Virginia in 1700 (his son William became President of the Dominion of Virginia under the English crown and his grandson was to later become Governor of Virginia)
  • Paul Nelson, who landed in Virginia in 1701 [10]
  • Mary Nelson, who landed in North Carolina in 1702 [10]
  • Joan Nelson, who landed in North Carolina in 1702 [10]
  • John, Nelson Sr., who landed in North Carolina in 1702 [10]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Nelson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Mathew Nelson, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1808 [10]
  • Gerard Nelson, who landed in New York, NY in 1811 [10]
  • Dawson Nelson, aged 18, who arrived in Delaware in 1812 [10]
  • Alexander Nelson, aged 33, who landed in Virginia in 1812 [10]
  • Robert Nelson, aged 38, who landed in New York in 1812-1813 [10]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Nelson Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Charley Nelson, who arrived in Arkansas in 1904 [10]
  • Peter Nelson, who arrived in Arkansas in 1906 [10]
  • Emma Elizabeth Nelson, who landed in Colorado in 1907 [10]
  • Andrew Gustaf Nelson, who landed in Wisconsin in 1910 [10]
  • Karl Nelson, who arrived in Wisconsin in 1910 [10]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Canada Nelson migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Nelson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Harker Nelson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Isabella Nelson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Ann Nelson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1774
  • Mr. James Nelson U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway, [Shelbourne], Nova Scotia on December 13, 1783 was passenger number 452 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on November 14, 1783 at East River, New York, USA [11]
  • Mr. Samuel Nelson U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 [11]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Nelson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Joseph W Nelson, who landed in Canada in 1831
  • James Nelson, aged 21, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Dorcas Savage" from Belfast, Ireland
  • Isabella Nelson, aged 20, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Dorcas Savage" from Belfast, Ireland
  • John Nelson, aged 18, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Dorcas Savage" from Belfast, Ireland
  • Nancy Nelson, aged 35, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the ship "John & Mary" from Belfast, Ireland
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Nelson Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
  • J E Nelson, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Australia Nelson migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Nelson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Matthew Nelson, British convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [12]
  • Mr. Edward Nelson, (b. 1769), aged 38, English labourer who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Duke of Portland" in January 1807, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [13]
  • Mr.William Nelson, (b. 1802), aged 17, Irish farm labourer who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Bencoolen" on 24th April 1819, arriving in New South Wales, Australia before being transferred to Tasmania via the "Admiral Cockburn" [14]
  • James Nelson, English convict from Middlesex, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on October 22nd, 1824, settling in New South Wales, Australia [15]
  • John Nelson, English convict from Worcester, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on October 22nd, 1824, settling in New South Wales, Australia [15]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Nelson migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Nelson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. William Lunn Nelson, (b. 1806), aged 35, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Lord William Bentinck" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 24th May 1841 [16]
  • Mrs. Nelson, (b. 1807), aged 34, British settler travelling from Gravesend with 5 children aboard the ship "Lord William Bentinck" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 24th May 1841 [16]
  • Mr. Benjamin Nelson, (b. 1827), aged 14, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Lord William Bentinck" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 24th May 1841 [16]
  • John Nelson, aged 30, a sawyer, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "New Zealand" in 1842
  • Ann Nelson, aged 34, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "New Zealand" in 1842
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Nelson (post 1700) +

  • Socrates Nelson (1814-1867), American businessman, politician, and pioneer, Member of the Minnesota Senate (1859-1861)
  • Ronald Jack "Ron" Nelson (1929-2023), American composer of both classical and popular music and a music educator from Joliet, Illinois
  • Kent Charles "Oz" Nelson (1937-2023), American businessman who was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UPS from 1989 to 1996
  • Radell Faraday "Ray" Nelson (1931-2022), American science fiction author and cartoonist most famous for his 1963 short story "Eight O'Clock in the Morning"
  • Hilaree Nelson (1972-2022), American ski mountaineer, the first female to summit two 8000-meter peaks (Everest and Lhotse) in one 24 hour push on May 25, 2012, named one of "The Most 25 Adventurous Women of the Past 25 Years"
  • Gary Nelson (1934-2022), American Primetime Emmy nominated television and film director, known for The Black Hole (1979), Washington: Behind Closed Doors (1977) and Get Smart (1965)
  • Bobbie Lee Nelson (1931-2022), American pianist and singer, older sister of Willie Nelson and a member of his band, Willie Nelson and Family
  • Sander Lloyd "Sandy" Nelson (1938-2022), American drummer, one of the best-known rock drummers of the early 1960s, had several solo instrumental Top 40 hits and released over 30 albums
  • Darby Miles Nelson (1940-2022), American environmentalist, ecologist, politician, author, and educator from Soudan, Minnesota
  • Lori Nelson (1933-2020), born Dixie Kay Nelson, an American actress and model mostly active in the 1950s and early 1960s
  • ... (Another 36 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Arrow Air Flight 1285
  • Mr. Steven R Nelson (1950-1985), American Staff Sergeant from Clarksville, Tennessee, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash [17]
  • Mr. Kenneth J Nelson (1966-1985), American Private from Falconer, New York, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash [17]
  • Mr. Donald Craig Nelson (1954-1985), American Sergeant 1st Class from Hammond Hts, Kentucky, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash [17]
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. George Nelson (d. 1914), British Assistant Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking [18]
  • Mr. Gustaf Nelson (d. 1914), Swedish Third Class Passenger from Gothenburg, Sweden who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking [18]
Flight TWA 800
  • Miss. Twyla Jewel Nelson (1988-1996), from Harlem, New York, USA, American passenger flying aboard flight TWA 800 from J.F.K. Airport, New York to Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Rome when the plane crashed after takeoff ; she died in the crash [19]
  • Mrs. Alecia Carlos Nelson (1951-1996), from Harlem, New York, USA, American English teacher flying aboard flight TWA 800 from J.F.K. Airport, New York to Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Rome when the plane crashed after takeoff ; she died in the crash [19]
HMS Hood
  • Mr. William Nelson (b. 1905), Scottish Stoker 2nd Class serving for the Royal Navy from Frizington, Cumberland, Scotland, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking [20]
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. Nelson, British Lieutenant Commander, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking [21]
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. William S Nelson, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking [22]
  • Mr. Charles Robert William Nelson (b. 1903), British Leading Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking [22]
North Sea Flood
  • Agnus M. Nelson, British worker aboard the ferry "Princess Victoria" who survived the North Sea Flood, a major storm surge in 1953
Triangle Waist Company
  • Miss Ida Nelson, American worker who was at Triangle Waist Company factory at the Asch building in Greenwich Village on the 25th March 1911 when fire broke out; she survived the fire [23]
USS Arizona
  • Mr. Grady L. Nelson Jr., American Seaman Second Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking [24]
  • Mr. Henry Clarence Nelson, American Boatswain's Mate First Class from Minnesota, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking [24]
  • Mr. Lawrence Adolphus Nelson, American Chief Turret Captain Permanent from California, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking [24]
  • Mr. Richard Eugene Nelson, American Fireman Third Class from North Dakota, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking [24]
  • Mr. Harl Coplin Nelson, American Seaman First Class from Arkansas, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking [24]


Suggested Readings for the name Nelson +

  • Torger and Gertrude Nelson: Their Ancestors, Descendants and Related Families by Twila Ruth Eckstrom Schroeder.
  • Morrison-Wells and Nelson-Watson Families and Collateral Lines by Dorothy Nelson Grant.

  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  3. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
  4. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  5. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  6. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  7. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  8. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  9. "Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
  10. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  11. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  12. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/calcutta
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/duke-of-portland
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 5th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/bencoolen
  15. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1824 with 9 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1824
  16. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  17. American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
  18. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  19. The Washington Post Passenger List TWA Flight 800. (Retrieved 2018, February 15th). Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/twa800/list01.htm
  20. H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
  21. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  22. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  23. Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (retrieved on 3rd August 2021.) Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangle_Shirtwaist_Factory_fire
  24. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html


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