Welcome. While many genealogical projects attempt to gather thousands of birth dates in dry databases, we take a different path here. The Nisius Chronicle is dedicated to our family’s deep roots.
We don’t just ask “Who was that?”, but “Where do we come from?” and “Why do we carry this name?”.
This site is not a mere list of data, but a digital chronicle. It bundles well-founded research on the linguistic origin of our name, its mythological echoes, and the historical journey of our ancestors—from the German Eifel region and the Benelux countries all the way to the New World.
Our Research: Where the Name Nisius Begins
Is “Nisius” an ancient Latin form or a later adaptation? Where do our true linguistic roots lie?. At the center of this chronicle is the fascinating evolution of our surname —a journey through the centuries:
- From God to Saint: It all begins in antiquity with the Greek god of wine, Dionysos. His name lived on in Dionysius—one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages, who became the direct namesake for many of our ancestors.
- From Short Form to Surname: In the local dialect, the name was often shortened to Nies.
- The Return to Latin: We explore how the era of Humanism and the Church influenced our ancestors to “Latinize” the name again, transforming the humble Nies into the distinguished form Nisius.
A King as a Namesake? Between History and Legend
There are fascinating connections between our name and antiquity that often drift between historical research and ancient legend.
Our articles examine these intriguing references to ancient rulers and mythology. This is a journey into cultural history that goes far beyond a simple family tree, showing that our name is more than just a signature.
A Bridge Across the Atlantic
The name Nisius has its origins in the heart of Europe, but today families carry it all over the world.
This site serves as a historical anchor for all descendants—whether your family still lives in the Rhineland, in the Benelux countries, or in the USA. We connect the branches of the family across borders.
Discover Your History
We invite you to explore: Browse the articles, discover the meaning behind your signature, and immerse yourself in the story of us.