Neelsen

Neelsen is a traditional German surname, commonly found in the states of Saxony and Thuringia. The name is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages, possibly derived from the Old High German word "neste" meaning "nest" or "settlement". Another theory suggests that it may be a variant of the name "Neuland", meaning "new land" or "new settlement".

Historically, many people bearing the name Neelsen were likely farmers or laborers, working on the land and living in small settlements. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the name Neelsen is found in records of German Migration to the United States, with many Neelsen families settling in Ohio, Indiana, and other areas in the Midwest.

The most notable figure with the surname Neelsen is likely August Hermann Neelsen, a German biologist born in Stralsund, Prussia in 1857. Neelsen is credited with the discovery of streptobacillus moniliformis, a bacterium that can cause rat bite fever.

In modern times, Neelsen is found throughout the world, with many individuals carrying the name unaware of its history. The name is relatively rare, particularly outside of Germany and the United States, where German ancestry is more common.

While the history of the Neelsen surname is limited, it remains an important part of German heritage and is still carried by many people today.