NELSON

Nelson is a surname and a given name of English origin. It derives from a medieval given name such as Neil or Nell, with the suffix -son indicating “son of.” It is used in many English-speaking countries and has become a common place name as well as a personal name.

Prominent individuals associated with the name include Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson (1758–1805), a British admiral renowned for his roles in the Napoleonic Wars and the Battle of Trafalgar; and Nelson Mandela (1918–2013), a South African anti-apartheid activist who served as president and is celebrated for his role in ending apartheid and promoting reconciliation. The name also appears in various other fields, including arts and politics, as both a surname and a given name.

Geographic uses of Nelson appear in multiple countries. Nelson, New Zealand, is a city at the top of the South Island and serves as a regional hub. Nelson, Lancashire, England, is a historic market town. Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, is a coastal city known for its harbor and surrounding natural scenery. In London, Trafalgar Square is home to Nelson's Column, a commemorative monument to Admiral Nelson. The name Nelson also appears in numerous smaller localities and districts around the world.