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 Neelson family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Neelson Family History

Neelson 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: Nelson, Neeson, Neilson, Elson, Melson, Kelson, Belson, Engelson

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Neelson family from?

You can see how Neelson families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Neelson family name was found in the USA, Canada, and Scotland between 1841 and 1920. The most Neelson families were found in Canada in 1911. In 1841 there were 2 Neelson families living in Lanarkshire. This was about 67% of all the recorded Neelson's in Scotland. Lanarkshire had the highest population of Neelson families in 1841.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Neelson surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
  • 1841
  • 1851
  • 1861
  • 1871
  • 1881
  • 1891
  • 1901
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Neelson ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Laborer and Stenographer were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Neelson. 17% of Neelson men worked as a Laborer and 34% of Neelson women worked as a Stenographer. Some less common occupations for Americans named Neelson were Farmer and Housewife.

View Census Data for Neelson | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Laborer
    17%
  • Clerk
    13%
  • Farming
    7%
  • Farmer
    7%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Stenographer
    34%
  • Clerk
    34%
  • Housewife
    34%

What Neelson family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 1,000 census records available for the last name Neelson. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Neelson census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Neelson

Passenger Lists

There are 496 immigration records available for the last name Neelson. 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 Neelson immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 61 military records available for the last name Neelson. For the veterans among your Neelson ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Neelson military records

You've only scratched the surface of Neelson family history

Discover More

What is the average Neelson lifespan?

Average Neelson life expectancy in 1972 was 57 years. This was lower than the general public life expectancy which was 70.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Neelson

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Neelson 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 Neelson family tree

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