Holding steady.
Popularity of Neilson since 1927
Babies named Neilson per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 76 |
| 1980s | 46 |
| 1990s | 39 |
| 2000s | 23 |
| 2010s | 17 |
| 2020s | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Neilson is a rare given name derived from a Scottish patronymic surname, meaning 'son of Neil.' It entered U.S. records in 1927 and reached its peak in 1975, though it has never broken into the top 1000. The trajectory is stable, with minimal fluctuation. Its one-in-N figure is not reported due to very low frequency, but it remains a distinctive choice that carries a sense of Scottish heritage. The name is strongly associated with boys and has seen consistent but minimal use across decades, with a notable absence from top state lists. For parents seeking a name with clear roots and a modern surname feel, Neilson offers a unique alternative to the more common Nelson.
Neilson is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Neil, itself an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Niall. The Gaelic name's meaning is uncertain, but it is often interpreted as 'champion' or 'cloud'. As a first name, Neilson transfers the surname into given-name usage, a practice that became more common in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in Scotland and among Scottish diaspora.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Neil, Sonny, Nels
Sibling names for Neilson
Names that share Neilson's style, for a brother or sister.
