Surname Nisbit - Meaning and Origin

Nisbit: What does the surname Nisbit mean?

The surname Nisbit is of Scottish origin, which means "Little Nose" or "Son of the Nose". It is likely to have derived from a nickname or descriptive nickname, given to someone who had an exceptionally long nose. It is also likely that over the course of time, the original meaning may have been forgotten or corrupted, leading to the current spelling of Nisbit.

The surname is found mainly in Scotland, especially in the Borders and Lothian regions. It is also found in some parts of England and Northern Ireland. The spelling variants of Nisbit include Nesbitt and Nibet.

Nisbit is a relatively uncommon surname, due to its roots in a very specific region of Scotland. There is record of one Nisbit being accepted to the University of Oxford in 1614, possibly the earliest known record of the surname.

Nisbit is associated with a proud and ancient Scottish heritage and may be seen as a source of local pride for those who are descended from families who once bore the name. Today, the surname is still present in its original regions but appears to be primarily concentrated in certain areas of England, most notably in Yorkshire.

Nisbit: Where does the name Nisbit come from?

The last name Nisbit is most commonly found today in Scotland and Northern England. It has been a long-established family name in these areas for centuries.

Nisbit is the Scottish spelling of a surname originally derived from the Old English name ‘Nesbit’. This name was given to someone who lived by a wood or ‘nes’, and ‘bit’ referred to a small piece of the land.

Todays Nisbits may have clan connections to Clan Nisbet of Nisbet near Eddleston in the borders of Scotland. The Nisbet family line dates back to the 12th century and has long been established in this area.

Nisbits can also trace their origin back to the North of England, with the variant spellings of Nesbit and Nesbett. The earliest recorded spelling of the name was found in the Lancashire area of England in 1115.

Today, you can find Nisbets in various parts of the British Isles, as well as around the world. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and across the United States are all common locations for the name.

It is likely that the Nisbit family name will continue to grow and evolve as it follows its descendants around the globe.

Variations of the surname Nisbit

The surname Nisbit is believed to be of Scottish origin and is an habitational name which refers to someone who is from the places of Nisbet, East Lothian and Nesbit, Peeblesshire.

Variants of the surname Nisbit include Nesbit, Nesbitt, Nisbett, Nisbitt, Nisbet and Nizzat.

The spelling Nsbiet was commonly used in 15th century records while by the 17th century, Nisbett had become the most common spelling in some parts of Scotland.

The surname Nisbit is occasionally utilized as a given name, however may also be used as a nickname for Nisasi, which translates to 'habit'.

Surnames with similar roots include Nesbitt and Nesbit, both of which are believed to have derived from the same origin as Nisbit.

Nisbet, Nisbett and Nisbitt are the most common surnames found in Scotland, while in the United States and Canada, Nesbit is the most popular variation of the surname, likely due to its Anglicized spelling.

Other variant spellings that have been found include Nesbeth, Nesbite, Nesbutt, Nessbit and Nesbitts.

In the Netherlands, spellings such as Nisbeth, Nissenbreith, Ninnisenbreth, Ninnisenbreth and Nissenbreth can be found.

Due to the variety of spelling choices, it is likely that the surname Nisbit can be found in many records with a variety of spellings and styles.

Famous people with the name Nisbit

• Tracy Nisbet, Canadian former ice hockey player
• Becky Nisbet, American women’s college soccer head coach
• Gordon Nisbet, British actor
• John Nisbet, Scottish merchant and politician
• Eleanor Worthington Nisbet, English poet and novelist
• Ann Nisbet, British energy engineer
• Evan Nisbet, Scottish footballer
• Fred Nisbet, English cricketer
• Gordon Nisbet, British actor
• Margaret Nisbet, Scottish botanist
• Rosemary Nisbet, Scottish historical fiction writer
• Scott Nisbet, Canadian professional squash player
• Thomas Nisbet, Scottish biologist
• Tom Nisbet, British professional rugby player
• William Nisbet, American colonial American statesman
• Thomas Nisbet, English engraver
• Richard Nisbet, British physicist
• Mary Nisbet, American Stand-up comedian
• Robert Nisbet, Scottish actor
• William Nisbet, American cinematographer

Other surnames

Nisbitt