Ness History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Netherlands 
  England 
  Germany 
  Scotland 
  Ireland 


Ness was first used as a surname by descendants of the Pictish people of ancient Scotland. The ancestors of the Ness family lived in any of a number of places called Ness, in Scotland and England. In this case, the surname Ness comes from the Old English word, ness, which means headland. Thus, the surname Ness means someone "from the headland." However, some references claim the name came from the Gaelic personal name Ness.

Early Origins of the Ness family

The surname Ness 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 Ness family

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

Ness Spelling Variations

Repeated and inaccurate translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and back resulted in a wide variety of spelling variations with single names. Ness has appeared Ness, Nesse, Nessan, Neeson and others.

Early Notables of the Ness family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was

Ness Ranking

In the United States, the name Ness is the 3,482nd most popular surname with an estimated 9,948 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Ness family to Ireland

Some of the Ness 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.


Ness migration to the United States +

Many Scottish families suffered enormous hardships and were compelled to leave their country of birth. They traveled to Ireland and Australia, but mostly to the colonies of North America, where many found the freedom and opportunity they sought. It was not without a fight, though, as many were forced to stand up and defend their freedom in the American War of Independence. The ancestors of these Scots abroad have rediscovered their heritage in the last century through the Clan societies and other organizations that have sprung up across North America. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name Ness:

Ness Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Ness Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Ness migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Ness Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Ness migration to Australia +

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

Ness Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Ness 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:

Ness Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Ness (post 1700) +
Fastest Delivery Possible

Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day

Money Back Guarantee

Yes, all products 100% Guraranteed

BBB A+ Rating

The Best Rating possible

Secure Online Payment

Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate