Show ContentsNelsynd History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Saxon name Nelsynd comes 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 Nelsynd family

The surname Nelsynd 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 Nelsynd family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nelsynd 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 Nelsynd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nelsynd Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Nelsynd were recorded, including Nelson, Nellson, Nelsan, Nelston, Neleson and others.

Early Notables of the Nelsynd 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)...
Another 52 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Nelsynd Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Nelsynd family to Ireland

Some of the Nelsynd 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.

Migration of the Nelsynd family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Nelsynd family emigrate to North America: Francis Nelson, who arrived in Virginia in 1606, 14 years before the "Mayflower"; George Nelson, who came to Virginia in 1623; Ambrose Nelson, who arrived in Maryland in 1666.



  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.


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