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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
- Richard John Thomas William Nelson -- --, 1500 December 0, 1590
- James Monroe Nelson -- --, 1842 May 9, 1890 Alabama
- Gudmund Nelson -- --, 1859 April 20, 1941
- Michael Craig Nelson -- --, 1951 June 26, 2003 California
- Luella Jean Nelson -- --, 1906 October 15, 1991 Indiana
Nelson Death Records
- Name Birth Date Death Date Location
- John Alfred Nelson -- --, 1862 September 23, 1918 Illinois
- Gudmund Nelson -- --, 1859 April 20, 1941
- Nels Nelson -- --, 1866 January 1, 1938
- Ida A. Nelson -- --, 1876 June 10, 1931 Minnesota
- William Nelson -- --, 1815 July 7, 1899
