The root of "none the less" or "never the less" might be "no less" or "no less than", with "none" being tangible and "never" being temporal.
It seems to be a comparative phrase. It is usually used in the second half of a sentence after a comma (like the word "but" or "even though").
"None the less" is probably often mis-used:
"He's having a hard time learning english, none the less he is very smart."
sounds better as . . .
"He's having a hard time learning english, but he is very smart none the less."
and the possible root term . . .
"He's having a hard time learning english, but he is no less smart for it."
"He's having a hard time learning english, but he is very smart none the less."
Metal n Roll Band From Watford - Legends!
"Did You Hear That None The Less Are Playing Download Festival This Year?"
"Yeah I Know - They Are Fucking Wicked !"
"Have You Heard That New Song By None The Less? I'll Feel Like Your Enemy?"
"Thats A Tune Mate !"