Wilson
Wilson is a boy name of English origin meaning “Son of William”, pronounced WIL-sun. It ranked #673 in the United States in 2025, given to 405 babies, and peaked at #122 in 1918. Common nicknames: Will, Sonny, Wils.
How popular is Wilson in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Wilson mean, and where does it come from?
Wilson is a patronymic surname — son of Will — and one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world. It became an American given name in earnest around the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, reaching 122nd place in 1918, and it is common in Latin America too, where Wilson Palacios and Wilson Kipketer are among many. Tom Hanks gave the name to a volleyball in Cast Away, which is the version most people under forty think of first.
How is Wilson used around the world?
Wilson is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 3+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Wilson?
Famous People Named Wilson
- Wilson Pickett — American soul singer
- Wilson Kipketer — Danish-Kenyan runner and world record holder at 800 metres
- Wilson Palacios — Honduran international footballer
Similar Names to Wilson
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Sibling Name Ideas for Wilson
Looking for names that pair well with Wilson? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Wilson mean?
Wilson is a boy name of English origin meaning "Son of William." Wilson is a patronymic surname — son of Will — and one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world. It became an American given name in earnest around the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, reaching 122nd place in 1918, and it is common in Latin America too, where Wilson Palacios and Wilson Kipketer are among many.
How do you pronounce Wilson?
Wilson is pronounced WIL-sun. Common variations include Willson, Wilsen, Willson.
Is Wilson a boy name?
Yes, Wilson is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Will, Sonny, Wils.