Neilson is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Old Gaelic name Niall. The name Niall means "champion" or "cloud," and it was borne by several important figures in Irish history, including Niall of the Nine Hostages, a High King of Ireland who ruled in the 5th century.
The surname Neilson is believed to have originated from one of two places. The first possibility is that it came from the Gaelic name Niall, which was anglicized as Neilson. Alternatively, Neilson may have been an occupational name for a miner or metalworker, derived from the Middle English word "niel" meaning "black," possibly referring to someone who worked with coal or iron.
The surname Neilson is most commonly found in Scotland and Northern Ireland today, but it has also spread to other parts of the world, including England, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Some notable people with the surname Neilson include Scottish poet William Soutar (neé Neilson), Canadian politician Thomas Neilson Gpratt, and American actor Peter Nelson.
In summary, Neilson is a Scottish surname derived from either the Old Gaelic name Niall or an occupational term related to mining or metalworking. Its meaning is either "champion" or "cloud," and it has been borne by several notable figures throughout history.
Neilson is a unique and interesting name that has been given to babies born in the United States over several decades. According to statistics, the name Neilson first appeared in the US Baby Name Database in 1927, with six births recorded that year.
The name's popularity fluctuated over time, with some years seeing more births than others. For instance, there were thirteen births in 1973 and fifteen in 1975, indicating that these years were especially popular for the name Neilson.
However, there were also periods where the name was less common, such as between 1984 and 1986, with only five births each year. Similarly, from 2003 to 2005, there were no recorded births of the name Neilson.
It is interesting to note that while the name's popularity has ebbed and flowed over time, it has remained a consistent presence in the United States throughout much of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century. As of 2022, there have been a total of 218 births with the name Neilson recorded in the US.
These statistics demonstrate that while Neilson may not be one of the most common names in the United States, it is still a name that has been chosen for babies born over several decades. Parents who choose this name for their children may be drawn to its unique sound or perhaps its historical significance, but whatever the reason, they have contributed to the ongoing legacy of the name Neilson in America.