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 Nelk family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Nelk Family History

Nelk 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: Nell, Elk, Selk, Delk, Yelk, Welk, Belk, Bell, Beck, Helm

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Nelk family from?

You can see how Nelk families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Nelk family name was found in the USA, and Canada between 1880 and 1920. The most Nelk families were found in USA in 1880. In 1880 there were 13 Nelk families living in Illinois. This was about 25% of all the recorded Nelk's in USA. Illinois had the highest population of Nelk families in 1880.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Nelk surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Nelk ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Farmer and Labor were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Nelk. 45% of Nelk men worked as a Farmer and 100% of Nelk women worked as a Labor.

View Census Data for Nelk | 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

  • Farmer
    45%
  • Laborer
    34%
  • Owner
    23%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Labor
    100%

What Nelk family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 889 census records available for the last name Nelk. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Nelk census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Nelk

Passenger Lists

There are 44 immigration records available for the last name Nelk. 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 Nelk immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 126 military records available for the last name Nelk. For the veterans among your Nelk ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Nelk military records

You've only scratched the surface of Nelk family history

Discover More

What is the average Nelk lifespan?

Between 1957 and 2003, in the United States, Nelk life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1957, and highest in 1994. The average life expectancy for Nelk in 1957 was 51, and 66 in 2003.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Nelk

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

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