Nessen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Netherlands
Germany

Etymology of Nessen

What does the name Nessen mean?

The Dutch Nessen surname was originally a habitational name, taken on from any of various places in Friesland called Nes, or similar names. These place names come from the word "nes," which meant a "spit of land."

Alternatively, the name Nessencould have been a Dutch local name as in 'the dweller at-the-ash' from residence beside an ash tree. The preposition 'van' is found especially with habitation names.

Early Origins of the Nessen family

The surname Nessen was first found in Holland, where the name 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. The name was first recorded in South Holland, a province of Holland, the most crowded province of the Netherlands. The principal cities are Rotterdam, Leyden and Shiedam. Noted is the famed castle of Teilengen where Jacqueline of Bavaria is buried. In their later history the surname became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family.

A long standing family in America, Albert and Grietje van Nes were listed as a residents of Amerfoort and then moved to Breuckelen (Brooklyn) to be near the ferry to Manhattan in 1653.

Early History of the Nessen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nessen research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1626, 1645, 1655, 1667, 1693, 1771 and 1841 are included under the topic Early Nessen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nessen Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Ness, Nes, Neser, Nesse, Nessen, Nessel, Nest, Nesh, Neste, Netz, Nas, Nass, Nos, Noss and many more.

Early Notables of the Nessen family

Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Nessen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Nessen family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Cornelis Hendrickse VanNess, who arrived in New York in 1641; Pieter VanNess, who arrived in New York in 1647; Peter Pietersen Van Nes, who came to New Netherland in 1663.

Contemporary Notables of the name Nessen (post 1700) +

Ronald Harold Nessen (1934-2025), American government official and journalist, served as the 15th White House Press Secretary for President Gerald Ford (1974-1977)