Show ContentsNels History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Nels family

The surname Nels was first found in Austria, where the name Nelle became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. In their later history the name became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family.

Early History of the Nels family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nels research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1709, 1717 and 1855 are included under the topic Early Nels History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nels Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Nelle, Nellen, Nell, Neille, Nelli, Nellenburg, Nellen, Nellessen, Nellie, Nelly, Nellenberg, Nellberg and many more.

Early Notables of the Nels family

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


United States Nels migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Nels Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • David Nels, who arrived in New York, NY in 1874 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Nels (post 1700) +

  • Nels A. Lundgren, American Republican politician, Insurance business; Member of Nebraska State House of Representatives 10th District, 1915
  • Nels P. Christensen, American politician, Member of South Dakota State House of Representatives 32nd District, 1955-60
  • Nels Ackerson (b. 1944), American lawyer, founding partner of the law firm of Ackerson Kauffman Fex, Washington DC
  • Nels Podolsky (b. 1925), retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger
  • Nels T. Wold (1895-1918), American soldier, recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War I
  • Nels Cline (b. 1956), American guitarist and composer
  • Nels Potter (1911-1999), American baseball player
  • Nels Peterson, American politician, Member of Minnesota State Senate 51st District, 1923-26 2
  • Nels C. Gustafson, American politician, Socialist Labor Candidate for University of Illinois trustee, 1936 3
  • Nels H. Loff, American politician, Industrial Labor Candidate for Presidential Elector for Oregon, 1920 4


  1. 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)
  2. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 23) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, February 1) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  4. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, January 19) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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