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Nelson Family History
Nelson Genealogy & Family TreeNelson is an English name first found in Lancashire, England, from the 12th Century, where the earliest Nelson ancestor on record was Adam Nel in 1273. It means “son of Nell,” “son of Neal,” or “son of Niall” which mean “champion,” “sun ray,” or “passionate.” Roots for this name can also be found in Ireland. Nelson is the 40th most common surname in the United States. The family motto is Palmam qui meruit ferat which means “Let him who has earned it bear the palm.”
Other spellings include “Nellson,” “Nelsan,” “Neilson,” “Nealson,” “Nelston,” “Nilson,” “Nilsen,” “Nilsson,” and “Neleson.” Notable people with the surname include American musician Prince Rogers Nelson (better known as “Prince”), American country singer/songwriter Willie Nelson, American golfer John Byron Nelson, Jr., American actor Craig T. Nelson (Coach, The Incredibles, The Proposal), and American actor Judd Nelson (The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire). The first Nelson to come to America was Francis Nelson in Virginia in 1606.
Nelson Birth Records
- Name Birth Date Death Date Location
- Sarah Victoria Nelson -- --, 1851 April 10, 1925 Alabama
- Charlotte Temple Nelson -- --, 1865 May 22, 1955
- Lee Nelson -- --, 1899 November 10, 1991
- Luella Nelson -- --, 1889 June 18, 1950 Utah
- Margaret Nelson -- --, 1614 March 18, 1684
Nelson Death Records
- Name Birth Date Death Date Location
- Katherine Nelson -- --, 1630 November 10, 1637
- John Nelson -- --, 1899 December 0, 1900 Texas
- James Nelson -- --, 1842 December 5, 1904
- Lileth Nelson -- --, 1884 January 17, 1975 Utah
- Hannah Nelson -- --, 1737 Massachusetts