Nelson
BoyEnglish
Nelson is a boy name of English origin meaning "Son of Neil".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
English
Popularity
12 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
6 letters
Meaning
Son of Neil
Etymology
Nelson is an English, Scottish, Irish, Northern Irish, Scots-Irish, and Scandinavian given name, more commonly used as a surname.
Famous People Named Nelson
- Nelson Mandela — President of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist (1918–2013)
- Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller — Vice President of the United States from 1974 to 1977
- Nelson Riddle — American arranger, composer, bandleader and orchestrator (1921-1985)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson
What does the name Nelson mean?
Nelson means "Son of Neil", and is of English origin.
What is the origin of the name Nelson?
Nelson originates from English.
Is Nelson a boy or girl name?
Nelson is typically used as a boy name.
Are there famous people named Nelson?
Yes — notable people named Nelson include Nelson Mandela (President of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist, 1918–2013), Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller (Vice President of the United States from 1974 to 1977) and Nelson Riddle (American arranger, 1921-1985).
Last updated: June 2026