Nelson
Son of Neil — a boy name of English origin
Popularity of Nelson in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Nelson
Nelson is an English patronymic surname that became a given name, meaning "son of Neil" or "son of Nell." The name rose to prominence as a first name largely due to Horatio Nelson, the British naval hero who defeated Napoleon's fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. In the 20th century, the name gained profound new significance through Nelson Mandela, the South African anti-apartheid leader who became the country's first Black president. Nelson carries associations of courage, leadership, and perseverance.
Nelson Around the World
Nelson is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Nelson
Famous People Named Nelson
- Nelson Mandela — South African anti-apartheid leader and president
- Nelson Piquet — Brazilian Formula One racing champion
- Willie Nelson — American country music singer and songwriter
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Nelson mean?
Nelson is a boy name of English origin meaning "Son of Neil." Nelson is an English patronymic surname that became a given name, meaning "son of Neil" or "son of Nell." The name rose to prominence as a first name largely due to Horatio Nelson, the British naval hero who defeated Napoleon's fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
How do you pronounce Nelson?
Nelson is pronounced NEL-sun. Common variations include Neilson, Nelsen, Nilson.
Is Nelson a boy name?
Yes, Nelson is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Nels, Sonny, Nel.
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