Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Wilson
BoyEnglish· “son of Will”
- Meaning
- son of Will
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- WIHL-suhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #673
- US babies 2025
- 405
- Best rank
- #122 (1913)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Wilson
Wilson is an English name that means “son of Will”.
Wilson is an English surname meaning "son of Will", Will being a medieval short form of William, which comes from Germanic elements meaning "will" or "desire" and "helmet" or "protection". It is one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries. As a first name, Wilson has been used in the United States for generations, and Woodrow Wilson, the twenty-eighth president, is among its famous bearers. The name sounds friendly, sturdy and a little preppy. Will and Wils are natural nicknames, and it fits well with other surname names such as Harrison and Bennett.
Other spellings with the same sound: Willson.
Popularity over time
Wilson has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #122 in 1913, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 1,381 were named Wilson. In 2025, 405 babies were named Wilson, and it ranked #673 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #221 in 1920, #359 in 1950, #502 in 1980, #526 in 2000, #585 in 2010, and #673 in 2025. Of the 48,807 US boys named Wilson since records began, 14% were born in the 1910s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 5,022 babies. Since 2010, 6,638 more have been named Wilson.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Julius, Ben, Irving, Morris, and Emil.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Wilson ranked highest in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #369 | 9 |
| Arkansas | #442 | 8 |
| Massachusetts | #466 | 11 |
| Tennessee | #475 | 17 |
| Alabama | #481 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Wilson over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Wilson is usually pronounced WIHL-suhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with W and ends in “-on”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Willson.
Middle names for Wilson
A few middle names that flow with Wilson: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Wilson
Similar names
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Lists that include Wilson
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Wilson mean?
Wilson is an English name that means “son of Will”.
What is the origin of the name Wilson?
Wilson has English roots. Wilson is an English surname meaning "son of Will", Will being a medieval short form of William, which comes from Germanic elements meaning "will" or "desire" and "helmet" or "protection".
Is Wilson a popular name?
Yes. Wilson ranked #673 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Wilson a boy or girl name?
Wilson is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Wilson over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Wilson?
Wilson is usually pronounced WIHL-suhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings