Surname Nesbett - Meaning and Origin

Nesbett: What does the surname Nesbett mean?

The last name Nesbett originated in Scotland and the surrounding regions. It is derived from the Gaelic phrase "naisebtach", which means "unhappy". This term likely referred to individuals who were often seen as "troublesome," easily angered, or feeling generally discontented.

The last name Nesbett is a common and historic Scottish surname. In early Scotland, it was a patronymic name, which means that it was derived from the name of the father or grandfather of the original bearer. In this case, the name likely derived from someone named Neis, which was a diminutive form of the given name Neil.

In Scotland, the Nesbett surname has been associated for generations with clan MacKenzie, which is one of the oldest Irish clans in the United Kingdom. The Nesbetts were a large and powerful clan in the past, and their members today are proud of their heritage.

The Nesbett name is also common in parts of the world, such as Canada and the United States. It remains a strong surname in these countries and is seen as a symbol of Scottish pride. It is also a popular choice for parents, as its meaning is seen as something that should be admired and something to be proud of.

Overall, the name Nesbett carries a proud Scots heritage. While its historical meaning might not be completely clear, the name still conjures up images of strength and courage. Its history and usage throughout the world make it a name that many can be proud of.

Nesbett: Where does the name Nesbett come from?

The last name Nesbett is primarily found in England and the United Kingdom with a small presence in some parts of the United States. It is a relatively uncommon surname. Most people with the last name Nesbett today can trace their heritage back to the Scots-Irish who migrated to the United States during the 19th century. It is believed that these individuals were originally from Scotland or Northern Ireland, and the name has been found in records dating back to the 16th century.

In terms of population, the last name Nesbett is most common in the United Kingdom. According to the 2018 UK census, this surname ranks in the 488th most common surname. In the United States, the name Nesbett is thought to be even rarer. According to the US Census Bureau, the name is ranked in 20,757th place for the most common surnames. In Scotland, the last name Nesbett is not in the top 1000 most popular surnames.

Despite its relatively low number of people with this surname, the name Nesbett definitely has some place in history. There have been some prominent individuals with the last name, such as Nesbett Fleming, a 19th century Scottish author, and Reverend J. Nesbett, an American pastor in the late 19th century.

Variations of the surname Nesbett

The surname Nesbett has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are Nesbitt, Nesbit, Nesbitts, Nesbits and Nesbetts. It is thought to have originated in Scotland with a variation on the Arabic name Nasib. The first record of the surname is believed to date back to the 13th century in Scotland, when it was spelled Nesbalth.

The variant Nesbitt is derived from the Old English personal name Eadbald, meaning “rich, bold and brave”. This variant could possibly originate from the north of England. The spelling Nesbit can also be found in both Scotland and England. This variant is thought to have stemmed from the nickname or an occupational name derived from the old English words ‘nes’ meaning ‘nest’, and ‘bytt’ meaning ‘builder’, or ‘one who builds nests’.

The variant Nesbitts is derived from an old English word ‘bisceop’ which means ‘bishop’. It is thought that this variation of the surname developed from an ancestor who was a bishop or may have been related to a bishop in some way shape or form. The variant Nesbits is also derived from the old English word ‘nesce’ which means ‘mountain’. This is thought to be the variant of the surname found most commonly in Scotland.

Lastly, Nesbetts is a variation of the more traditional Nesbett. This variant is thought to have been derived from the Celtic name Nes, meaning 'valiant, brave and courageous.' This may have been the surname of an ancestor with similar qualities.

Overall, the surname Nesbett has several variants, spellings and other surnames of the same origin. These range from Nesbitt to Nesbits and Nesbetts, all of which can be traced back to early Scotland and England.

Famous people with the name Nesbett

• Evelyn Nesbit: An American actress, chorus girl and fashion model. She was a star of theater and of early silent films and is often credited as one of the most beautiful women of the early 20th century.
• Trinidad Nesbitt: A professional basketball player, best known for his time with the Philippine Basketball Association.
• Edmu Nesbitt: A professional footballer who played for the new York Cosmos in the National Professional Soccer League from 1980 to 1982.
• Ted Nesbitt: An American actor and comedian best known for starring in the comedy series The Ted Nesbitt Show.
• Charles Nesbitt: A British actor best known for his roles in Hornblower: The Adventure Continues and Gangs of New York.
• Brett Nesbitt: An influential Australian company director and businessman who has held a number of senior positions in the telecommunications and mining industries.
• Tim Nesbitt: A former president of the Oregon AFL–CIO, an adviser to former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and a former member of the Oregon State Board of Higher Education.
• Kon Nesbitt: A professional football player who played as an offensive guard for the New Orleans Saints from 1972 to 1980.
• Darell Nesbitt: A Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist, best known for his hit singles, "Over Again" and "Dub Girl".
• Stephen Nesbitt: An American film producer, director and screenwriter, best known for work on the popular television series Parenthood, Chasing Life, and Reign.

Other surnames

Nesbet