Wilson
How to say it: WIL-sun · /ˈwɪlsən/
Patronymic surname meaning 'son of Will (William)'; William derives from Germanic elements meaning 'will/desire' and 'helmet/protection'.
Wilson was the 634th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 405 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1910s, its births are down about 6% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #642 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #634 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 405 |
| Share of births | 1 in 8,186 |
| Peak decade | 1910s |
| Change over 10 years | −6% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #642 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,330 among boys’ names, 15 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Rooted early in the 1910s, Wilson now rests far beneath its former high though still heard. The next few years look likely to ease it downward.
What goes with it
Mellow and breathy with a sturdy surname shape. Harrison pairs nicely alongside it.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Wilson is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish.
In France: #1,330 for boys in 2025.
Famous people named Wilson
- Wilson Palacios (born 1984)Honduran footballer
- Wilson Kipketer (born 1972)Kenyan and Danish middle distance runner
- Wilson da Silva Piazza (born 1943)Brazilian footballer
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Good to know
- Volleyball companion in Cast Away
Keep exploring
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