Family name origins & meanings
- German, Dutch, and Jewish (western Ashkenazic) : habitational name from the town of Nassau, formerly the seat of an independent duchy. The place name derives from Old High German naz ‘damp’, ‘wet’ + ouwa ‘water meadow’.
- The royal house of Nassau traces its descent from Dudo, Count of Lauenberg, who flourished between 1093 and 1117. His family acquired the county of Nassau in the 12th century. The Dutch king Willem van Oranje-Nassau, otherwise known as William the Silent, was the leader of the Dutch revolt against Spain in the 17th century.