Nelson \n(e)-lson, nel-son\ as a boy's name is pronounced NEL-sun. Variant of Neil. Historical: Admiral Lord Nelson, the English naval hero of Trafalgar. Actor Nelson Eddy; New York Governor and American Vice President Nelson Rockefeller; South African activist Nelson Mandela.

Nelson has 10 variant forms: Nealson, Neils, Neilson, Neillson, Nels, Nelsen, Niles, Nils, Nilson and Nilsson.