Nyckalson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The earliest origins of the name Nyckalson date back to the time of the Anglo-Saxons. The name is derived from the personal name Nicholas. The Latin form of this name was Nicolaus, and it was derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which is derived from the words nikan, which means to conquer, and laos, which means people. 1 However, the name is best remembered by an American corruption of his name: Santa Claus. The surname Nyckalson uses the patronymic suffix -son.

Early Origins of the Nyckalson family

The surname Nyckalson was first found in Cumberland and Northumberland where "most families of this name trace." 2

"With few exceptions confined to the northern half of England, being most frequent in Cumberland and Northumberland, and afterwards in Durham and in the adjacent parts of Yorkshire. From the north of England the Nicholsons and Nicolsons have extended into the Scottish border counties, especially into Dumfriesshire." 3

Early History of the Nyckalson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nyckalson research. Another 157 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1443, 1446, 1489, 1544, 1547, 1655, 1663, 1669, 1683, 1688, 1694, 1698, 1712, 1714, 1720, 1725, 1728 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Nyckalson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nyckalson Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Nyckalson include Nicholson, Nichaelson, Nichalson, Nicherson and others.

Early Notables of the Nyckalson family

Another 47 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Nyckalson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Nyckalson family to Ireland

Some of the Nyckalson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 79 words (6 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 Nyckalson family

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Nyckalson or a variant listed above: Garret Nicholson, who settled in Virginia in 1635; Alex Nicholson, who settled in Virginia in 1650; as well as George, Jane, John, Phillip Nicholson also settled in Virginia.

The Nyckalson Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Per Castra ad astra
Motto Translation: Through the camp to the stars.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.