The nameNelson
Nelson is an English surname used as a first name, carried by Admiral Nelson and Nelson Mandela.
- Boy's name
- English
Meaning
Nelson means "son of Neil", from the Irish Niall, perhaps "champion" or "cloud".
Origin
English, from Irish.
History
Admiral Horatio Nelson, hero of Trafalgar, inspired many parents. In the United States Nelson ranked 136th in the late 19th century. Nelson Mandela gave it worldwide prestige.
Did you know?
- Nelson's Column, completed in 1843 in Trafalgar Square, honours Admiral Nelson, killed at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Famous people named Nelson
- Nelson Mandela, president of South Africa
- Nelson Piquet, racing driver
- Nelson Rockefeller, vice president
Popularity of the name Nelson
Nelson in the United States
Nelson was most popular in the United States in the 1950s, with 9,222 births over the decade, 12% of all recorded babies named Nelson. Its rise began around 1898, and it peaked in 1959. Half of all babies named Nelson in the United States were born before 1961, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 342 births a year on average, against 411 in the five years before.
Nelson in the United Kingdom
Nelson was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 337 births over the decade, 44% of all recorded babies named Nelson. Half of all babies named Nelson in the United Kingdom were born before 2012, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 23 births a year on average, against 34 in the five years before.
Nelson in France
Nelson in Belgium
Sibling names for Nelson
Names from the same generation as Nelson, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Nelson? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Nelson with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Nelson side by side with the name of your choice.
Nelson in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nelson mean?
Nelson means "son of Neil", from the Irish Niall, perhaps "champion" or "cloud".
What is the origin of the name Nelson?
English, from Irish.
Is Nelson a girl's or a boy's name?
Nelson is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Nelson?
In 2024, Nelson was the 777th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 322 births.
What are good sibling names for Nelson?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Darlene, Barbara, Deborah and Judith for a sister, Stanley, Harry, Cedric and Johnny for a brother.
Who are famous people named Nelson?
Nelson Mandela, president of South Africa; Nelson Piquet, racing driver; Nelson Rockefeller, vice president.