Surname Neis - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'N'
Neis: What does the surname Neis mean?
The surname Neis is of German and Swiss origin and is found mainly in South Germany. It is thought to have originated as a nickname for an individual who was wise and prudent, since Neis is derived from the Germanic name Hugo, which means “mind” or “sense.”
Neis can also refer to the Latin word nessus, which means “a clearness or understanding.” This could be a reference to someone with a strong aptitude for practical decision-making. It is also possible that the name has roots in the Latin word nescius, which means “of ignorance or even unaware.”
Stemming from the 14th century, Neis is a fairly common German surname today. It is found primarily in Southern Germany, but is also seen in other parts of Europe, including Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands. In the English-speaking world, the surname is mostly seen in the United States.
Neis does not necessarily refer to one specific profession or role typically filled by a member of this family, although it could suggest qualities such as knowledge, understanding, and a foresight into circumstances. The strength of these characteristics is dependent on the person carrying the surname. Neis could also be related to the craft of woodworking, as Neis is derived from the German word neise, which means “woodworker.”
Overall, the last name Neis is used to designate an individual who is wise and prudent or may even possess a knack for woodworking. This is an appropriate representation of the contributions made by many individuals with this surname throughout the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisNeis: Where does the name Neis come from?
The last name Neis is most common in Germany today. According to the WorldNames PublicProfiler, the last name Neis is most frequent in the region of Rhineland-Palatinate, where it accounts for 0.390% of the population. The area has had a large population of citizens who had been given the last name Neis since at least the 18th century.
The last name Neis also has a presence in the United States. Although the frequency is much lower than in Germany, it is still moderately common, accounting for 0.0125% of the population. The Neis family arrived in the country sometime in the early 19th century and spread across the Midwest. Many Neis families moved to areas now known as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois.
Although the Neis surname is still common in both Germany and the United States, it has declined somewhat in recent years. The distribution of the name has shifted slightly from Rhineland-Palatinate and the Midwest to other areas in Europe, the Americas, and Australasia. Nevertheless, it is still a fairly common name in certain areas.
Variations of the surname Neis
Neis is an ancient Germanic surname with many variant spellings and related family names originating from the Old German language. These variants and surnames typically all have the same root, 'neis', meaning 'courage', 'boldness' or 'fearlessness'. Common variants of the Neis name include Nies, Neyz, Neiz, Neiss, Neijs, Neisser, Neisz, Nais, Neisse, Naiz, and Näß.
Many of the surnames listed are especially common in the German-speaking countries of Europe, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and some parts of Austria, as well as other countries within Central and Eastern Europe where German culture has had an influence, such as Poland and the Czech Republic.
Neis (also spelled Näß) is also a rare surname found in Romania, located in Southeastern Europe, which may have initially derived from the original Germanic roots. In Romania, the name had a notable political meaning for many years as Beiu Näș was the name of a small Bucharest commune in the early 1900s.
Due to the broadness of the German-speaking language and the diverse cultural effects of German migration, other surnames related to the Neis root have also arisen in other countries and cultures. Examples of surnames shared by Germanified cultures outside of the German diaspora include Niz in Russia, Neyse in Brazil, and Nais in Latin America.
Other variants may have arisen from other European languages, such as the Czesch or Polish surname Nyss, as well as other dialectical variations like Nauss in Switzerland.
In conclusion, while Neis appears to have its roots in Germany, its variant spellings and rare surnames from around the world demonstrate the wide range of influences and cultures that have made up the Neis family name over time.
Famous people with the name Neis
- Robert Neis, former member of the Montclair State University Board of Trustees
- Jonathan Neis, former 2011 Miss Kentucky USA title holder
- Kristin Neise, former American Idol contestant from season 7
- Anthony Neise, professional soccer player for the Rochester Rhinos in the United Soccer League
- Máire Neise, Irish-American harpist and composer
- Terence Neis, professional Stock Car driver, NASCAR champion
- Steve Neis, American historian and author
- Vespertine Neis, former Major General in the Roman Empire
- Klaus Neis, German composer and conductor
- Roberta Neis, Italian actress and stage director