NELSON: (1) (British): "Son of Nell" (form of Neal), or form of Nilsson. Name taking - or based on - the first name of the ancestor's father (patronymic).
(2) (Norwegian): Patronymic derived from Norwegian family names NIELSEN, NILSON or NILSSEN 'son of Nils'.
The above information taken from: Family Chronicle - Surname Origin List Note: The above depicted Coat of Arms does not necessarily reflict this surname's ancestry.