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

Nelson is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 431 recorded births.

When was Nelson most popular?

Nelson reached its peak popularity in 1959 with 1,083 births that year. It is currently ranked #778 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Nelson?

Nelson is currently ranked #778 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 79,398 babies since 1880.

Nelson

Once popular, gently fading from the charts.

Boy's name| Also girlsDeclining Also a pet name

#778▲ 19in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A surname originating as a patronymic.

Nelson is a boy's and girl's baby name of English origin, a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Neil,' where Neil comes from the Old Irish Niall, meaning 'champion.' It rose as a given name largely in tribute to Admiral Horatio Nelson, the hero of Trafalgar.

Nelson gained a second wave of global recognition through Nelson Mandela, who became a symbol of dignity and resilience. The name now carries both naval history and moral courage — an unusually powerful combination for any child to wear.

Compare Nelson with another name

Popularity Over Time

Nelson was #453 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #778, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Nelson
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	1,694	#753	▼
2010s	4,267	#612	▼
2000s	5,873	#448	▼
1990s	7,163	#351	▲
1980s	7,008	#299	▲
1970s	6,846	#285	▼
1960s	8,561	#259	—
1950s	9,199	#237	▲
1940s	7,823	#207	▲
1930s	6,473	#200	—
1920s	6,927	#198	▲
1910s	4,731	#183	▲
1900s	1,064	#179	▲
1890s	920	#169	▲
1880s	849	#160	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(145 years, 1880–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Nelson
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	322	#778	+11 (3.5%)
2023	311	#797	-4 (-1.3%)
2022	315	#799	-43 (-12.0%)
2021	358	#722	-30 (-7.7%)
2020	388	#670	-18 (-4.4%)
2019	406	#655	+32 (8.6%)
2018	374	#672	-37 (-9.0%)
2017	411	#631	-20 (-4.6%)
2016	431	#621	+5 (1.2%)
2015	426	#627	+17 (4.2%)
2014	409	#645	-33 (-7.5%)
2013	442	#581	-23 (-4.9%)
2012	465	#559	+9 (2.0%)
2011	456	#557	+9 (2.0%)
2010	447	#569	-72 (-13.9%)
2009	519	#523	-32 (-5.8%)
2008	551	#498	-33 (-5.7%)
2007	584	#467	-21 (-3.5%)
2006	605	#448	+11 (1.9%)
2005	594	#441	+22 (3.8%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Nelson as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Nelson has also been given to 431 girls in the U.S. since 1913.

Unranked

Current rank

431

Total births

1927

Peak year

Compare Nelson as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Nelson be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Nelson is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #778. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Nelson has two lives

Nelson, the baby name

#778boys

79,398 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1880–2024) · Methodology