Quick answerNelson is a male given name of English origin. From an English surname meaning 'son of Neil'. In the United States, it ranked number 776 for baby boys in 2024, according to the Social Security Administration. It is given to boys in the United States. A famous bearer is Nelson Mandela.
Key facts
| Meaning | From an English surname meaning 'son of Neil'. |
|---|---|
| Origin | English |
| Gender | Male (boys) |
| Popularity (US) | #776 for baby boys in 2024 (U.S. Social Security Administration) |
| Famous bearer | Nelson Mandela |
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- All names — the full list
Sources & last updated
- U.S. Social Security Administration — most popular baby names for 2024
- Behind the Name — meaning and origin
Popularity ranks are U.S. Social Security Administration figures for 2024; meanings and origins follow Behind the Name. See the names index for the full source notes.