Nielsen

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Niels, a Scandinavian form of Nicholas.

Etymology

Nielsen is a Scandinavian patronymic surname combining Niels (the Danish and Norwegian form of Nicholas) with the suffix '-sen'. The surname became widespread in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden during the medieval period.

About the Nielsen Surname

Nielsen is one of the most common surnames in Scandinavia, particularly Denmark and Norway. It reflects the prevalence of the name Nicholas in Scandinavian cultures and the widespread use of patronymic naming traditions.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 500,000 bearers in the United States #143 most common surname
Rare Common

Extremely common in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden; also found among Scandinavian immigrants in North America and other regions.

Nielsen Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

Notable Bearers

Carl Nielsen (Danish composer) Leslie Nielsen (Canadian actor) Asta Nielsen (Danish actress)

People with the Nielsen Surname

Fred K. Nielsen