This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Nelss family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Nelss Family History

Nelss Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Ness, Nelms, Neiss, Nelis, Melis, Nelson, Weiss, Delos, Wells, Noss

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Nelss family from?

You can see how Nelss families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Nelss family name was found in the USA between 1880 and 1920. The most Nelss families were found in USA in 1880. In 1880 there were 6 Nelss families living in Michigan. This was 100% of all the recorded Nelss's in USA. Michigan had the highest population of Nelss families in 1880.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Nelss surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

What Nelss family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 58 census records available for the last name Nelss. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Nelss census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Nelss

Passenger Lists

There are 17 immigration records available for the last name Nelss. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Nelss immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 3 military records available for the last name Nelss. For the veterans among your Nelss ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Nelss military records

You've only scratched the surface of Nelss family history

Discover More

What is the average Nelss lifespan?

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Nelss ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Nelss family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial