Origin and Meaning of Nelson

Son of Neil / Champion

Origin: English - Derived from the medieval given name 'Neil', which is of Gaelic origin ('Niall') and means 'champion' or 'passionate'. The suffix '-son' indicates 'son of'.

• Nelson is often associated with the prominent British naval leader Horatio Nelson, who played a significant role in the Napoleonic Wars.
• The name has variations in different cultures, such as 'Nielsen' in Denmark and 'Nelson' being common among English speakers.
• Notable figures with this name include Nelson Mandela, the renowned South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and former president.
• In the United States, the name Nelson has seen fluctuating popularity, peaking in the mid-20th century.
• Related names and variations include Nels, Nelsen, and even feminine versions like Nelsona.