Nessend History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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A family in the Pictish tribe of ancient Scotland was the first to use the name Nessend. They lived in any of a number of places called Ness, in Scotland and England. In this case, the surname Nessend comes from the Old English word, ness, which means headland. Thus, the surname Nessend means someone "from the headland." However, some references claim the name came from the Gaelic personal name Ness.

Early Origins of the Nessend family

The surname Nessend was first found in Fife, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Nessend family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nessend research. Another 115 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1093, 1153, 1160, 1180, 1260 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Nessend History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nessend Spelling Variations

In medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name Nessend has been spelled Ness, Nesse, Nessan, Neeson and others.

Early Notables of the Nessend family

More information is included under the topic Early Nessend Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Nessend family to Ireland

Some of the Nessend family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 58 words (4 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 Nessend family

In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Nessend: William Nesse, who arrived in Virginia in 1635; An Cath. Ness, who settled in New York in 1710; Michael Ness settled in Philadelphia in 1731; Matthias Ness, his wife and their six children, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1731.