What does Wilson mean and where does it come from?
Wilson is of Old English origin, initially derived from the surname Wilson which means 'son of Will' or 'son of William'. While this name is traditionally male, it has increasingly been used as a female name in contemporary times. Variations include 'Willis' and 'Willow'. The rise of gender-neutral
Cultural significance
Wilson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #2848 in 1913 — currently #673 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Wilson?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Wilson?
Wilson works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Wilson Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Wilson Rose
Floral · soft ending
Wilson Mae
Sweet · timeless
Wilson Claire
French influence · crisp
Wilson Jane
Literary · strong
Wilson Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Wilson right now?
Rising — up 16 spots — currently #673 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #673 | 404 | ▲ up 16 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #689 | 387 | ▲ up 21 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #710 | 370 | ▲ up 14277 · +7300% births |
| 2020 | #14987 | 5 | ▲ up 1421 |
| 2015 | #16408 | 5 | ▼ down 1890 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #14518 | 6 | ▲ up 527 · +20% births |
| 2000 | #15045 | 5 | ▼ down 3243 · -17% births |
| 1995 | #11802 | 6 | ▼ down 3288 · -33% births |
| 1990 | #8514 | 9 | ▲ up 2188 · +80% births |
| 1985 | #10702 | 5 | ▼ down 2682 |
| 1970 | #8020 | 5 | ▼ down 4044 · -29% births |
| 1920 | #3976 | 7 | ▲ up 305 · +40% births |
| 1915 | #4281 | 5 | — |
The story of Wilson
Wilson entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. A total of 46,994 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4281 in 1915 to #673 in 2023. Wilson is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Wilson in 1913:
Wilson by decade
Wilson peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 660 | |
| 1890s | 597 | |
| 1900s | 759 | |
| 1910s ★ | 6,859 | |
| 1920s | 5,056 | |
| 1930s | 3,695 | |
| 1940s | 4,364 | |
| 1950s | 3,383 | |
| 1960s | 2,660 | |
| 1970s | 2,319 | |
| 1980s | 2,884 | |
| 1990s | 4,187 | |
| 2000s | 4,915 | |
| 2010s | 4,253 | |
| 2020s | 403 | |
What are good nicknames for Wilson?
What names sound and feel like Wilson?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Wilson also consider these
Common questions about the name Wilson
What does the name Wilson mean?
Wilson means "English" — 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 Wilson?
Wilson is currently ranked #673 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 Wilson?
Wilson 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.
How do you pronounce the name Wilson?
Wilson is a two-syllable name pronounced W IH1 L S AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Wilson more of a girl or boy name?
Wilson is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.