Nilent History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England
• Ireland

Etymology of Nilent

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

Early Origins of the Nilent family

Early History of the Nilent family

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

Nilent Spelling Variations

Before widespread literacy came to Ireland, a name was often recorded under several different variations during the life of its bearer. Accordingly, numerous spelling variations were revealed in the search for the origin of the name Nilent family name. Variations found include O'Neilan, O'Neylan, Neilan, Neylan, O'Nelan and others.

Early Notables of the Nilent family

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

Migration of the Nilent family

Thousands of Irish families left for North American shores in the 19th century. These people were searching for a life unencumbered with poverty, hunger, and racial discrimination. Many arrived to eventually find such conditions, but many others simply did not arrive: victims of the diseased, overcrowded ships in which they traveled to the New World. Those who lived to see North American shores were instrumental in the development of the growing nations of Canada and the United States. A thorough examination of passenger and immigration lists has disclosed evidence of many early immigrants of the name Nilent: 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.