Surname Nehlen - Meaning and Origin

Nehlen: What does the surname Nehlen mean?

The last name Nehlen is a surname of German or Dutch origin. A patronymic surname, it is derived from the personal name Neele or Neil. The roots of the name are associated with the Old German and Old Dutch neol, which means “brave” or “bold.”

The Nehlen name is most likely a location-based surname, as there are numerous places called “Nehl” or “Nehle” throughout Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. People who lived near or in these places likely adopted this name as their own.

Early known records of the Nehlen surname date back to the 16th century, when Johannes Neele was a tenant of the monastery of Tappern in the Westphalia. In the German state of Bavaria, the name is particularly common around the city of Munich.

The Nehlen name remains in use throughout Germany and other parts of Europe, as well as countries with significant German populations, including Canada and the United States. In fact, some famous people with the last name Nehlen include one-time American political candidate Paul Nehlen and former Green Bay Packer football coach Mike Nehlen.

Overall, the Nehlen surname has a rich history of German or Dutch roots and a meaning that celebrates bravery and courage. It is a name that many people around the world proudly carry to this day.

Nehlen: Where does the name Nehlen come from?

The last name Nehlen is most commonly found today in Germany and the United States. In Germany, the name originates from the region around Rhineland and is a form of Nicolai or Nicolaus. In the United States, the name was brought over by German immigrants in the 1700s and has since spread throughout the country. Namesakes include former NFL coach, Mike Nehlen, and college football coach, Paul Nehlen.

As of 2020, the name Nehlen is most prevalent in Wisconsin, followed by Pennsylvania, Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio. In Wisconsin, the Nehlen family originated from the Ahr Valley near Bonn where the earliest record of the name can be traced back to 1479. Once having settled in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the family moved on to Wisconsin where their descendants have remained to this day.

The Nehlen name appears in numerous records from the past few centuries, often in the form of Nobles, or as officers in the US Army. Additionally, the name is associated with many well-known businesses as it is found in old city directories and tax rolls.

Today, the Nehlen name is still quite common, and can be found in both German and US records. Its descendants are spread out over many states and the family is often connected to members of the military, various businesses, or government professions.

Variations of the surname Nehlen

The Nehlen surname has several spellings and variants, as well as having many associated surnames that share the same origin. Some examples of variants for the Nehlen surname are Nehl, Nehling, and Neiland. Alternately spelled versions of the name include Nehlann, Nihlen, and Nihilen. Associated surnames that are derived from the Nehlen name include Nehel and Nehellen.

The common spelling of Nehlen is derived from a German word meaning “neighbor” or a local inhabitant. This suggests that those with the Nehlen surname were likely local landowners or inhabitants of distinct locales in Germany. Some of the associated surnames are likely derived from German words with similar meanings.

The spelling of the Nehlen surname has evolved over time, which is common for surnames with a long and rich history. Migration to other parts of the world has also contributed to the different variants and spellings.

There have been many notable people who have carried the Nehlen name. Among them is the American football coach, Bennet W. “Bobby” Nehlen, II, who served as head coach for the University of West Virginia from 1981 to 1984. Another is the Swiss records label and music publishing company founded by Richard Nehlen in the 1940s.

The Nehlen surname is an important one and it carries a rich history. Through its variants, spellings, and associated surnames, the Nehlen name has countless ties to diverse parts of the world and many remarkable individuals.

Famous people with the name Nehlen

• Scott Nehlen: Professional golfer and former Olympic swimmer from the US.
• Joe Nehlen: American football coach and former offensive coordinator at the University of Wisconsin.
• Paul Nehlen: American businessman, author, and political figure who ran as a Republican primary candidate in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional district in 2016.
• Jon Nehlen: Film director and screenwriter.
• Dayton Nehlen: Professional football trainer and therapist.
• Bill Nehlen: College football player and former head coach at Wisconsin-Whitewater.
• Phil Nehlen: American collegiate rowing coach and former President of the United States Rowing Association (USRA).
• Tessa Nehlen: Professional skier and snowboarder.
• Bob Nehlen: Lifetime movie actor.
• Sam Nehlen: Professional mixed martial arts fighter.

Other surnames

Nehles