Ness

Ness is an English and Scottish surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. The name is derived from the Old English word "ness" or "naes" which means a promontory or headland. It is a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearers lived near or around a headland.

The surname Ness is primarily found in the northern parts of England and Scotland, particularly in regions with a strong Norse or Anglo-Saxon influence. The name has variations such as Nesse and Nais.

Throughout history, individuals with the surname Ness have been associated with various fields such as literature, politics, and academia, contributing to the cultural and intellectual landscape of Britain.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Ness include:

  • Loch Ness - A vast, deep freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands, famous for the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
  • Eliot Ness - An American Prohibition agent, famous for his efforts to bring down gangster Al Capone.

The surname Ness continues to be prevalent in Britain today, carrying on the legacy of its origins and the contributions of its bearers to British society and culture.

There are approximately 2,064 people named Ness in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,110th most common surname in Britain. Around 32 in a million people in Britain are named Ness.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Angela
  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jennifer
  • Katherine
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Pamela

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