Nelson

Meaning of Nelson

Means "son of Neil" or "champion". It can also mean "son of the cloud".

Nelson has English, Irish roots — browse every English, Irish baby name in our catalog.

Popularity of Nelson

Nelson has cooled off, slipping to #825 in 2025, down from a peak of #407 in 2001.

Notable people named Nelson

• Nelson Mandela
  South African anti-apartheid revolutionary
• Willie Nelson
  American country music singer
• Nelson Rockefeller
  U.S. Vice President
• Nelson Algren
  American writer
• Horatio Nelson
  British Naval Commander

More English, Irish names

Questions about the name Nelson

What does the name Nelson mean?

Nelson means means "son of neil" or "champion". it can also mean "son of the cloud", and it comes from English, Irish origins.

Is Nelson a boy's or a girl's name?

Nelson is most commonly used as a boy's name in the United States.

How popular is the name Nelson?

In 2025, Nelson ranked #825 for boys, down from #776 the year before.

When was Nelson most popular?

Nelson peaked at #407 in 2001.