WorldNameData

Nelson

Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings

Origin:English
How to pronounce the name Nelson
Pronunciation guide for Nelson
ARPA
N EH1 L S AH0 N
IPA
ˈnɛlsən

Pronunciation Breakdown

Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Nelson

Syllables (2)

N EH1 L S AH0 N

Bold syllables indicate primary stress

Sound Breakdown

N
knee (n)
EH1
Ed (ɛ)
L
lee (l)
S
sea (s)
AH0
hut (ʌ)
N
knee (n)

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

ˈnɛlsən

Standard international representation

Pronunciation Tips

• Nelson has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.

• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.

Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Nelson

Structure

Character Count
6
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
33%
Name Family
nels

Usability

Pronunciation Difficulty4/10

Moderate difficulty

International Friendliness10/10

Works well across languages

DNA profile of the name Nelson
Unique character and personality of the name Nelson

Name Personality

The Global
Global
Adaptable
Modern

Key Characteristics

Length
Medium

Balanced and versatile

Rhythm
Flowing

Balanced rhythm

Sound
Strong

Consonant-rich and crisp

Ease
Moderate

May require practice

Global
Universal

Works across cultures

Heritage
nels

Part of this name family

Letter Frequency

n×2
e×1
l×1

Most frequent letters in Nelson

Visual Pattern

Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants

Name Statistics

📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Easy
4/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison

How does Nelson compare to the average name?

Nelson4/10 😐
4.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0

Nelson is easier than average by 1.0 points.

Difficulty Scale:

Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)← Nelson
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Name Family

Names related to Nelson (root: nels)

Current Name

Nelson

Related Names (9)

Short variations:

Nels
Nelsa
Nelse
Nelsi
Nelsy
Nel

Medium variations:

Nelsen
Nelsie
Nelsonii

Nelson belongs to a family of 10 related names.

What does the name Nelson mean?
The meaning and origin of Nelson
Historical Reference

noun 1. English admiral who defeated the French fleets of Napoleon but was mortally wounded at Trafalgar (1758-1805)

English

noun 2. any of several wrestling holds in which an arm is passed under the opponent's arm from behind and the hand exerts pressure on the back of the neck

Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Nelson's meanings

Primary Theme

📖
Descriptive

Based on origin, place, or historical context

Theme Distribution

Descriptive
1
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Nelson

Life Path Number

7
The Seeker

Deep thinkers who seek truth, knowledge, and spiritual understanding.

Analytical
Spiritual
Introspective
Wise

Most Common Letters

n×2
e×1
l×1
s×1
o×1

Sound Composition

Vowels
2(33%)
Consonants
4(67%)

Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong

Numerology Breakdown

n5
e5
l3
s1
o6
n5

Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.

Notable People Named Nelson
Famous individuals named Nelson
👤

Andrew Nelson Caudell

American entomologist (1872–1936)

Born: 1872

👤

Nelson Henriques

Angolan canoeist

Born: 1986

👤

Nelson Cossio

Chilean footballer

Born: 1966

👤

Nelson Cabrera

Paraguayan footballer

Born: 1983

👤

Nelson San Martín

Chilean footballer

Born: 1980

👤

Nelson Vivas

Argentine footballer

Born: 1969

👤

Nelson Mandela

First President of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist (1918–2013)

Born: 1918

How popular is the name Nelson?
Popularity rankings for Nelson around the world
CountryGenderRankYears
Canadaboy#831937-1937
Franceboy#4452018-2018
Portugalboy#892014-2014
United Statesboy#6712018-2018
Country Comparison
How Nelson ranks across different countries

Showing top 4 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)

What names are similar to Nelson?
Names similar to Nelson
NelsNelsaNelseNelsenNelsiNelsieNelsonNelsoniiNelsyNel
What words rhyme with the name Nelson?
Rhyming words for Nelson
axelsen
belson
elsen
elson
keelson
kelson
melson
mikkelsen
nelsen
snelson

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce Nelson?
IPA: /ˈnɛlsən/ ARPA: N EH1 L S AH0 N This name has a moderate pronunciation difficulty.
How many syllables are in Nelson?
Nelson has 2 syllables.
Is Nelson easy to pronounce?
Nelson is relatively easy to pronounce for most English speakers. It doesn't contain uncommon sound combinations.
Is Nelson easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Nelson is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Nelson?
There are 100 notable people named Nelson. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Nelson?
Names similar to Nelson include: Nels, Nelsa, Nelse, Nelsen, Nelsi. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Nelson a good baby name?
Nelson is a good baby name, particularly if you value names that are internationally friendly.
Is Nelson a boy or girl name?
Nelson can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Nelson?
The name is spelled N-e-l-s-o-n. Common spelling variations include: Nels, Nelsa, Nelse.
What are common nicknames for Nelson?
Common nicknames for Nelson include: Nel, Nelsy, Nelie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Nelson mean?
The name Nelson means "Nelson n 1: English admiral who defeated the French fleets of Napoleon but was mortally wounded at Trafalgar (1758-1805) [syn: {Nelson}, {Horatio Nelson}, {Viscount Nelson}, {Admiral Nelson}, {Lord Nelson}] 2: any of several wrestling holds in which an arm is passed under the opponent's arm from behind and the hand exerts pressure on the back of the neck." This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Nelson?
Middle names that pair well with Nelson include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Nelson?
Sibling names that pair well with Nelson include: Nels, Nelsa, Nelse, Nelsen. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Nelson?
Most teachers will be able to pronounce Nelson correctly after hearing it once or twice. It's relatively phonetic and doesn't contain unusual sound combinations. You may need to provide pronunciation guidance at the start of each school year.
What culture is the name Nelson from?
Nelson has diverse cultural origins, with connections to English, French traditions. This multicultural heritage demonstrates how names transcend borders, being embraced by different societies and evolving across time. Each cultural influence adds depth and richness to the name's meaning and history.
Is Nelson suitable for a professional career?
Nelson is well-suited for professional contexts. It's internationally friendly for global careers and appropriate length for business cards and email addresses. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Nelson a long or short name?
Nelson is a short name with 6 letters (2 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Nelson?
Common spelling variations of Nelson include: Nels, Nelsa, Nelse. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Nelson and Nels?
Nelson and Nels are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Nelson is spelled Nelson while Nels is spelled Nels. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.