Hesselius

Hesselius is a surname of Germanic origin. It is believed to derive from the Old Norse personal name Hessel, which may be related to the Germanic word "hasal," meaning hazel. The suffix "-ius" is a common Latinized ending. The name is primarily found in Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden.

Notable individuals with the surname Hesselius include Gustaf Hesselius (1679–1755), a Swedish painter who emigrated to the American colonies in the early 18th century. He is considered one of the first European-trained artists to work in North America and is known for his portraits of colonial figures. His work provides valuable insight into the social and cultural life of the period. Another prominent figure was Johannes Hesselius (1729–1781), a Swedish botanist and physician who served as a student and colleague of Carl Linnaeus. He contributed to botanical studies and exploration in various parts of the world. The Hesselius family has a long history and has produced individuals in diverse fields over the centuries.