Rising since 2008, #2,941 for boys today.
Popularity of Welles since 1915
Babies named Welles per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 10 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 223 |
| 2020s | 237 |
Meaning & origin
Welles is a rare English name that has been in sporadic use since 1915, when it first appeared in U.S. records. Its trajectory shows a steady rise in popularity since 2008, reaching a peak in 2021, though it remains uncommon. In 2025, the name ranked 2,941st, with 1 in 40,668 boys receiving the name. Geographically, it has been most popular in New York. The name derives from an English surname meaning 'dweller by the spring,' and has been used as a first name partly due to the influence of cultural figures such as Orson Welles. Its sound and style appeal to parents seeking a surname name that feels distinguished yet accessible, similar to other single-syllable surnames like Wells or Reed.
Welles is an English surname transferred to given name use. It derives from Old English 'wella' meaning 'spring, stream, well,' and originally denoted someone who lived near a spring or well. As a first name, it has seen occasional use since the early 20th century, often as a tribute to the surname or in honor of figures like Orson Welles.
Where Welles is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Wells
Sibling names for Welles
Names that share Welles's style, for a brother or sister.
