Naess

Naess is a Norwegian surname, typically written as Næss in Norwegian. The spelling Naess is an Anglicized variant used in non-Norwegian contexts. The name derives from the Old Norse word næs, meaning headland or promontory, and most likely originated as a toponymic surname linked to a farm named Næs in rural Norway.

In Norway, Næss is a relatively common surname and is found across the country; outside Norway, bearers may spell it Naess or Naes due to keyboard limitations or assimilation into other languages.

Notable people with the surname include Arne Næss (1912–2009), a Norwegian philosopher and mountaineer who helped develop and promote the school of thought known as deep ecology, emphasizing the intrinsic value of non-human life and ecological balance. His son, Arne Næss Jr. (1937–2004), was a Norwegian shipping magnate and businessman; he gained international attention through his business activities and his marriage to singer Diana Ross. The Næss surname has also appeared in various fields through other Norwegian intellectuals, businessmen, and public figures, reflecting its broad presence in Scandinavian society.