Surname Nesbitt - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the Origins of the Nesbitt Surname Through the iGENEA DNA Test: A Genetic Journey into My Ancestry

Through an insightful journey into my genetic ancestry with the iGENEA DNA test, I've discovered fascinating information about my surname, Nesbitt. The test's findings corroborate the believed Irish-Scottish origins of the Nesbitt surname, tracing the lineage predominantly to these regions. Intriguing links to historical events and movements make the exploration even more thrilling.

D. Nesbitt

Nesbitt: What does the surname Nesbitt mean?

The surname Nesbitt is of Scottish and Northern Irish origin. It derives from a geographical location, the village of Nesbit in Berwickshire, Scotland, or Nisbet, located in Roxburghshire, Scotland. The name itself means "nose-shaped bend or hill", derived from the Old English words "ness" (promontory or hill) and "bita" (a bend). Families with this name were among the early Border Clans who engaged in cattle raiding and skirmishing along the English-Scottish border during the Middle Ages. The Nesbitt clan's motto is "I Byde It", meaning 'I endure it'. The most notable castle for the Nesbitt/Nisbet family is Nisbet House, situated in Berwickshire. Variations of the name include Nisbet, Nisbett, Nessbit, Nesbett, and Nesbyth. Over the years, many members of the Nesbitt family have emigrated from their native Scotland to other parts of the United Kingdom, as well as to North America, Australia, and New Zealand - contributing to the spread of the surname worldwide.

Nesbitt: Where does the name Nesbitt come from?

The last name Nesbitt is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and Canada. In England, the original spelling of Nesbitt is more commonly found in the North, especially around the Scottish border, and a variant spelling of Nesbit can be found more frequently in the South. In Canada, a significant majority of those with the last name Nesbitt live in Ontario, followed by Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec.

The United States is also home to many with the last name Nesbitt. While most appear to be descended from Irish immigrants, there is also a large English presence in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. According to the U.S. Census, the states with the highest concentration of Nesbitts are California, Texas, Florida, New York, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

In Australia, the name is most common in Queensland and Western Australia and in New Zealand, it is most common in the North Island.

Outside of these areas, the last name Nesbitt is found in smaller numbers in continental Europe, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands, as well as throughout Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.

Variations of the surname Nesbitt

Nesbitt is an English or Scottish name of Anglo-Norman origin that has evolved over centuries. Across countries and cultures, the name can be written in various ways.

The most common variations of the name are Nesbit, Nesbitt, Nesbette, Nesbett, Nesbeth, Nesbeth, Nesbote, Nesbotee, Nesbotty, Nesbott, and Nesbottom.

In the United States and Canada, the name is sometimes spelled "Nesbitt" or "Nesbit" due to the influence of the Scots-Irish people who emigrated there in the 1700s.

At times, the "t" at the end of Nesbitt can vary in spellings such as "Nesbot", "Nesbottom", or "Nesbet".

Surnames of the same origin include Nisbet, Nizbett, Nesbeth, Nazzari, Nasbitt, Nezbit, Nesbett, Nesbytt, Nesbitts, Nesbitte, Nesbute, Nusbett, and Nesbito.

In Scotland, the Nesbitt surname is also spelled Nesbet, Nesbett, and Nesbit.

Nesbitt is a common surname in Ireland, particularly in the northern part of the island. Variations may include Nisbitt and Nesbett.

It is also a common surname in England, with spellings including Nesbitt, Nesbit, Nisbitt, and Nesbett.

The Nesbitt surname is also found in other parts of the world, including Australia, Mexico, and South Africa. Variations may include Nesbit, Nesbett, and Nasbitt.

Overall, regardless of nation or origin, the surname Nesbitt has a range of spellings and variants that often share the same roots.

Famous people with the name Nesbitt

• James Nesbitt: A film and television actor best known for roles in such films as Bloody Sunday, The Hobbit, and Therapy.
• Robert Nesbitt: A British actor best known for roles in Out of the Unknown, Inspector Morse, and Lovejoy.
• Edison Nesbitt: An American artist and sculptor who has exhibited at galleries in the US, UK, and Norway.
• David Nesbitt: A stage and television actor best known for playing Inspector Edward Murdoch in Agatha Christie's Miss Marple and Grigoriy Vorobev in the mini-series War and Peace.
• Stuart Nesbitt: An Australian politician and advisor who served as Deputy Premier of Western Australia from 2002 to 2006.
• Ricky Nesbitt: A professional football player who has signed contracts with clubs such as Mechelen and Sporting Charleroi in Belgium, as well as Motherwell in Scotland.
• Robert "Bud" Nesbitt: An American professional baseball player who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1920s and 1930s.
• Justin Nesbitt: A sporting director and former football player who spent most of his playing career at Bristol City F.C. and the Australian Institute of Sport.
• Gail Nesbitt: A British-American-Canadian fine artist who has exhibited in galleries in Japan, France, and Canada.
• Paul Nesbitt: An Australian historian and author who has written numerous books about the history of Western Australia and the Kimberley region.

Other surnames

NesbitNesbith