Nelyn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of Nelyn

What does the name Nelyn mean?

The surname Nelyn was derived from the Gaelic "O Niallain," which means "descendant of Niall."

Early Origins of the Nelyn family

The surname Nelyn was first found in County Clare (Irish: An Clár) located on the west coast of Ireland in the province of Munster.

Early History of the Nelyn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nelyn research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1570 is included under the topic Early Nelyn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nelyn Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of the surname Nelyn can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were found include O'Neilan, O'Neylan, Neilan, Neylan, O'Nelan and others.

Early Notables of the Nelyn family

More information is included under the topic Early Nelyn Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Nelyn family

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Nelyn name: Humphry Nelan, who arrived in America between the years 1735 and 1743; James Nelan, who arrived at Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1843; John, Johanna and Elizabeth Neilan, who all died en route to Quebec in 1847.