Nelson is a distinctive choice, ranked #1402 in 2024. Your child is likely to be the only Nelson in their class.
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UK Rank 2024
#1402
US Rank #778
About the Name Nelson
Nelson has seen a notable decline in recent years, dropping 383 places in five years. It was most popular in 1997 at #589 — parents choosing it today are making a deliberately counter-trend decision. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996.
Nelson is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
In the US it ranks even higher at #778, where it enjoys a particularly strong following.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Nelson
Unlikely. With around 19 UK babies named Nelson per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Nelson in his class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Nelson has been declining in UK popularity, dropping 383 places in the last five years. Its peak was #589 in 1997. Choosing it now means he is likely to be among the last of his generation with this name.
Nelson is more popular in the US (#778) than in the UK (#1402). Names with strong rankings in both countries tend to have broad cross-cultural appeal, working well for international families or those with ties to both nations.
Notable people named Nelson include: Fraser Nelson — Fraser Andrew Nelson is a British political journalist and columnist for The Times.; Ben Nelson — Earl Benjamin Nelson is an American politician, attorney, and businessman who served as a United States senator from Nebraska from 2001 to 2013.; Nelson Peltz — Nelson Peltz is an American billionaire businessman and investor..
Nelson ranks #778 in the US top 1,000 (2024). It's recognised in America but considerably more popular in the UK.
19
UK babies named Nelson (2024)
< 1
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.0
In a school of 600
↓ 383 places
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Nelson
Likely around 1 other Nelson in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Nelson
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and statesman who was the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first Black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election.
Earl Benjamin Nelson is an American politician, attorney, and businessman who served as a United States senator from Nebraska from 2001 to 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 37th governor of Nebraska from 1991 to 1999.
Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller was the 41st vice president of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977 under President Gerald Ford. A member of the Republican Party and the wealthy Rockefeller family, he was the 49th governor of New York from 1959 to 1973.
Sharon Kristin Harmon Nelson was a painter, actress, and author. Sister of actors Mark Harmon and Kelly Harmon, she was married to actor and musician Ricky Nelson for 19 years.