Summary

The surname Nicholson is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Mac Neacail. It is a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Neacail', a personal name which translates to 'victorious people'. The Nicholson clan historically resided in the Highlands of Scotland, particularly around the regions of Caithness and Sutherland. Over time, many individuals with the surname Nicholson migrated to other parts of the world, contributing to its global presence.
There are
58151
Nicholsons in the USA
Nicholson is the
575th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Nicholson

JackNicholson

Jack Nicholson is an American actor and filmmaker who has been nominated for 12 Academy Awards, making him the most nominated male actor in the history of the Oscars. He is known for his iconic roles in films such as 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' 'The Shining,' and 'The Departed.'

DianeNicholson

Diane Nicholson is a Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher from 2015 to 2019. She is a member of the New Democratic Party.

KateNicholson

Kate Nicholson is a British artist known for her intricate and colorful collages. She has exhibited her work internationally and has won several awards for her artistic achievements.

GaryNicholson

Gary Nicholson is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He has written hit songs for numerous artists, including Delbert McClinton, Stevie Nicks, and Ringo Starr.

LindaNicholson

Linda Nicholson is a British historian and academic. She is known for her research on the history of women in music and has published several books on the subject.

WilliamNicholson

William Nicholson is a British author and screenwriter. He has written several novels, including 'The Society of Others' and 'The Lovers of Amherst,' and has adapted his own works for the screen.

StuartNicholson

Stuart Nicholson is a British jazz writer and journalist. He has written several books on jazz music and has contributed to various publications, including The Guardian and The New York Times.

MaxNicholson

Max Nicholson was a British environmentalist and ornithologist. He played a key role in the establishment of nature reserves in the United Kingdom and was a leading advocate for the conservation of wildlife.

JillNicholson

Jill Nicholson is a Canadian actress known for her roles in films and television shows such as 'Brokeback Mountain' and 'Orphan Black.' She has received critical acclaim for her performances.

PeterNicholson

Peter Nicholson is an Australian architect and urban designer. He has designed numerous notable buildings and urban spaces, including the National Portrait Gallery of Australia and the Melbourne Central Shopping Centre.

Nicholson Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Nicholson' is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the personal name Nicholas, which itself comes from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people.' The name was commonly given to children born on St. Nicholas' Day, which is celebrated on December 6th.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Nicholson' is most commonly found in Scotland and Northern England, where it has a long history. It can also be found in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to migration and immigration.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Nicholson' include 'Nichol,' 'Nickolson,' 'Nickelson,' and 'Nickelston.'
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Nicholson' have migrated and immigrated to various countries, particularly during periods of Scottish emigration and British colonization. Many Nicholson families can be found in areas with Scottish settlements, such as Nova Scotia, Canada, and New Zealand.