Welles

“Spring or Stream”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 96% boys♀ 4% girls

#3699US 2023

31Births / yr

↓Falling

276All-time births

📅 Since 201900

What does Welles mean and where does it come from?

Welles is a name of Old English origin that means spring or stream, referencing a water source. It is often used as a surname and has become increasingly utilized as a first name in modern times. The name may resonate with those who appreciate nature and waterways. Notable people with the surname in

Cultural significance

Welles has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spring or stream.

Peak popularity

Reached #15149 in 2020 — currently #3699 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Welles?

Welles works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Welles Grace

How popular is Welles right now?

Falling — down 744 spots — currently #3699 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2020–2023#3699 · Top 2.7%

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3699	31	▼ down 744 · -28% births
2022	#2955	43	▼ down 518 · -23% births
2021	#2437	56	▲ up 12712 · +1020% births
2020	#15149	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Welles

Best Year2021Rank #2437

Peak Count56

Average Rank#6060

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2020 - 20234 years

The story of Welles

Welles is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2019. With 276 total births recorded, Welles remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #15149 in 2020 to #3699 in 2023. Welles is used for both genders: 4% female and 96% male.

Names that peaked alongside Welles in 2020:

Olivia Emma Ava Charlotte Sophia

Welles by decade

Welles peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	10
2010s ★	228
2020s	38

💎Welles has only 276 total recorded births since 2019 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Welles?

Common

WelWeElles

What names sound and feel like Welles?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Welles also consider these

Weller

American · One who lives

Wells

American · Derived from the

Elles

Dutch · Noble

Welden

American · From the spring

Wesley

American · Western meadow

Eules

American · An invented name,

Willes

England · from the spring

Wezley

American · Old English

Common questions about the name Welles

What does the name Welles mean?

Welles means "Spring or Stream" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Welles?

Welles is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Welles?

Welles originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Welles a common or rare name?

Welles is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

Is Welles more of a girl or boy name?

Welles is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.