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Last Name Nevels

What is the origin of the last name Nevels?

The surname "Nevels" is a variant of the name "Neville." The origin of the surname "Neville" can be traced back to England and Scotland. It is derived from the Old French name "neuville," which means "new town" or "new settlement." The name likely originated as a toponymic surname, given to individuals who lived in or near a newly established settlement. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved into different variations, including "Neville" and its variant "Nevels."

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Nevels

The meaning and origin of the last name Nevels

The surname Nevels is of English origin and is believed to be derived from the medieval given name "Neville." The name "Neville" itself has Norman origins, originating from the Old French name "Néel," which means "new." Over time, the name "Neville" evolved into various forms, including Nevell, Nevill, and eventually Nevels. It is considered to be a patronymic surname, signifying that it was originally used to indicate the "son of Neville." The surname Nevels is relatively uncommon, suggesting that it may have originated from a small or localized community. Throughout history, surnames often developed as a means to distinguish individuals, indicating their occupation, personal characteristics, or connection to a specific place or person. While the exact reason for the formation of the surname Nevels may be unknown, it likely served as a way to identify one's ancestral link to a Neville ancestor.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nevels

The last name Nevels is not a widely distributed surname, and it is primarily found in the United States. Within the US, its geographical distribution is predominantly centered in the southern states. States like Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee have the highest concentrations of individuals with the Nevels last name. However, its occurrence is not limited to these states and can be found in smaller numbers across various other regions of the country. Outside of the United States, there is limited information available regarding the distribution of this surname. It is possible that some individuals with the Nevels last name may have migrated to other countries over time, but the overall number of individuals with this surname in countries outside of the US is relatively small.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nevels

The last name Nevels can have several variations and spellings. Some common variations include Nevel, Nevils, Nevells, and Nevelle. These variations often arise due to differences in pronunciation or regional accents. Additionally, alternative spellings such as Neevels or Nivels can also be encountered. It is not uncommon for families to adopt different spellings over time, either due to personal preference or errors in official records. Such variations can make genealogical research challenging, as individuals with the same last name may appear under different spellings in various documents. Furthermore, variations in spelling can also occur due to immigration, with names being anglicized or modified to fit the pronunciation patterns of the adopted country. Despite these variations, all these spellings are ultimately derived from the same surname, Nevels, and can be interconnected through family ties.

Famous people with the last name Nevels

Unfortunately, it seems that there are no widely known or famous people with the last name Nevels. While there may be individuals with this surname who have achieved success in their respective fields, their fame or renown does not appear to have reached a significant scale. It is common for certain surnames to have fewer prominent figures associated with them compared to others, and Nevels seems to fall into this category. However, it is important to note that this information might be subject to change as new individuals emerge in various fields, making it always worth keeping an eye out for upcoming talents and achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Nevels

The surname Nevels originates from Germany, where it is believed to have derived from the personal name 'Nevel'. It is derived from the Old Germanic word 'nevil', meaning 'the new one' or 'the new arrival'. The Nevels family is thought to have immigrated to the United States during the late 19th or early 20th century. Census records indicate that the majority of Nevels families settled in the southern states, particularly in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. Over the years, the Nevels name has spread to other states across the country. Genealogical research on the Nevels surname reveals a diverse range of occupations within the family, including farmers, laborers, and professionals. The exact origins and specific ancestral branches of the Nevels family are likely to be discovered through further genealogical investigations, such as birth, marriage, and death records, as well as immigration and naturalization records.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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