Surname Nessen - Meaning and Origin
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Nessen: What does the surname Nessen mean?
Nessen is an uncommon surname of German and Dutch origin. It is derived from the Latin word “nessum” meaning “nobody”, and is ultimately related to the Old German word “nessa”, from the Latin surpfix “-ens” (one). This likely signifies some sort of leader or special person in a given community.
The surname Nessen might have originated from a geographic landmark in the Netherlands. There is a village called Nesse, which is derived from the Dutch word “nessen” meaning “nobody’s land”. Some speculate that this location might have been home to some members of the Nessen family, due to its association with one of their original surnames.
This name can also be found inhandwritten historical records in Germany, where in 1793 a George Nessen is mentioned living in Rasdorf in the region of Hessen. It is presumed that this Nessen family also originated much of the same area where the Dutch variant of the name is more prevalent.
Overall, the Nessen surname is an unusual one, most commonly associated with Netherlands and Germany, possibly derived from a geographic region near those locations. It is interpreted to mean “nobody” or “nobody’s land”, likely connected to a historical title or rank.
Order DNA origin analysisNessen: Where does the name Nessen come from?
The last name Nessen is most commonly found in the United States. There are concentrations of this surname in Minnesota and the Midwestern states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. It’s also found in other states, such as California, New York, Massachusetts, and Florida.
Nessen immigrants likely came to America from Germany, Scandinavia, Central Europe, and Prussia in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Some of the earliest settler records reveal Nessen emigrated from Germany during the middle 1800s. This is when large waves of Germans, Scandinavians, and Central Europeans left their homelands and came to the U.S.
The last name Nessen is most likely derived from the German word “nessen,” which means to provide help or assistance. It’s also possible the name is of Germanic origin and has a root word meaning “ecstasy” or “celestial joy.”
Today, many members of the Nessen family are found in the U.S. It’s believed that there are between 6,000 and 6,500 people with this last name in the country. The Nessen name is also found in several other countries, including Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, and South Africa, among others.
Variations of the surname Nessen
Nesson, Nessan, Nesen and Nessin are all variants of the surname Nessen. Different spellings for the same origins can also include “Neson” and “Neeson.”
Nessen is a German and Dutch surname of the same origins. It is believed to have originally derived from the surname Nesen, which was a pet form of the Germanic given name “Anes” or “Ane.” This name was derived from the Greek name “Anesios,” meaning “One who is Praised.” The surname Nessen would have eventually branched off into the various other spellings and variants which are still used today.
Surnames derived from the same origin as Nessen include: Neese, Neissen, Nesham, Neshan, Nezon, Nezzen, Nessham, Nessin, Nesson, Nesson, and Nessham. Additionally, Ness(e) has been used as an English surname since early times.
Nessham is a variant spelling of the surname Nessen which originated specifically in Germany and Netherlands. It is derived from the given name “Neshama,” which is a Hebrew name meaning “pleasure” or “delight.”
In some cases, the surname Nessen could have also been derived from a place name with the same origin. There are several place names in and around Germany which derive from the surname “Nesiros,” meaning “estuary” or “ford.”
Overall, the surname Nessen can come in a variety of spellings and derivations, including variants Nesson, Nessan, Nesen and Nessin; spellings Neson and Neeson; and surnames Neese, Neissen, Nesham, Neshan, Nezon, Nezzen, Nessham, Nessin, Nesson, and Nessham. Additionally, Ness(e) could be derived from the same origin as an English surname, and Nessham can be derived from the given name “Neshama.” In some cases, the surname may also be derived from a place name with the same origin, such as “Nesiros.”
Famous people with the name Nessen
- Nancy Nessen: American comedic actress and writer.
- Rona Jaffe: American novelist, short story author, and essayist, born Rona Nessen.
- Robin Nessen: English actress.
- Jan Nessen: American actor and former television news anchor.
- Gus Nessen: American radio news anchor.
- Pauline Nessen: Swedish freestyle swimmer who competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics.
- Ron Nessen: American political reporter and the former White House Press Secretary.
- Harry Nessen: English footballer who made 97 appearances for Gillingham between 1924 and 1930.
- Jacob Nessen: Norwegian politician for the Labour Party.
- Conrad Nessen: Swedish sprinter who competed at the 1930 Swedish Championships in Helsingborg.