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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Is Nelson terrible?

92 replies

keven11 · 30/07/2026 06:22

We’ve incidentally named our kids with the final consonant /n/ sound and are considering this name for a third. I love that it follows the pattern and it’s an honor name. My husband also likes it. That being said… is it awful? We’re no strangers to “old” names for our kids, so that’s not the issue. I’m just wondering about public perception. Is it classic, or “nerdy?”

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VoteForCountBinface · 30/07/2026 08:56

NoisyUmberBalonz · 30/07/2026 08:49

As a name it seems armless.

I'll turn a blind eye to that one.

CeciliaMars · 30/07/2026 09:03

Yes.

QuirkyHorse · 30/07/2026 09:05

I would not want a name associated with the town of Nelson, which can only be described as pretty dire.

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 30/07/2026 09:07

I'd just worry about the poor lad being called Nellie for the rest of his life.

thornbury · 30/07/2026 09:20

I like it well enough. I taught one in my first ever class, y2 in 2001-2. He'd be over 30 now!

Enko · 30/07/2026 13:50

I dont hate it. But nor does it make me go ohh nice. It would be a oh ok for me

CurlewKate · 30/07/2026 14:06

In what way is it an honour name?

LostThestral · 30/07/2026 14:20

I like it but reminds too much of the Simpson's i'm afraid

VimesandhisCardboardBoots · 30/07/2026 14:53

Makes me think of the Simpsons character too. I'd be forever hearing "Ha ha" every time I heard it.

Pistachiocake · 30/07/2026 15:15

No. But then I always loved reading about Mandela, so maybe I'm biased.

Great person to think about, though, so very positive name connotations IMO.

Firebird83 · 30/07/2026 15:27

Simpsons character for me too. What about Solomon?

PrincessHoneysuckle · 30/07/2026 15:34

The Simpsons

Besidemyselfwithworry · 30/07/2026 15:35

Tiptopflipflop · 30/07/2026 06:31

I think of it as a cat's name.

Or Mandella

Just no

Spidey66 · 30/07/2026 15:36

I instantly thought of Mandela. I’m actually surprised it wasn’t more posters first thought-maybe it’s my age (60) but I remember well his fight for freedom, release, then bring ?president/pm of SA.

having said that, he’s a fine person to come to mind!

roshi42 · 30/07/2026 15:39

I think Admiral Nelson. Then Nelson Mandela. What would you do for nicknames, if any? Don’t love Nel… Sonny is cute.

TorroFerney · 30/07/2026 16:46

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 30/07/2026 08:50

anyone from the north west will associate it with a rough town near Burnley

Yes, saw the title and thought I can offer an insight here. Yes it’s a shithole.

bugalugs45 · 30/07/2026 16:53

Yes , it’s terrible in my opinion

101Alsatians · 30/07/2026 16:56

Not for me,but my first guinea pig as a kid was called Admiral Nelson 😁

Wingwalk · 30/07/2026 16:58

Spidey66 · 30/07/2026 15:36

I instantly thought of Mandela. I’m actually surprised it wasn’t more posters first thought-maybe it’s my age (60) but I remember well his fight for freedom, release, then bring ?president/pm of SA.

having said that, he’s a fine person to come to mind!

Yes same here. Had a couple of Nelsons in my school in the early 2000s, Black boys, named after the great man obviously.

TheIdlerReturns · 30/07/2026 16:58

I immediately think of Lord Nelson. But I like the name. I like Wilson too.

maisybobbins · 30/07/2026 17:02

It’s a town in Lancashire.

MrsMoastyToasty · 30/07/2026 17:03

I thought of Nelson Piquet, former formula one racing driver.

Ioverslept · 30/07/2026 17:15

I love it, wanted it for my child but sadly was talked out of it...

SilveryBear · 30/07/2026 17:18

I immediately thought it’d be a great dog’s name

Dreckkly · 30/07/2026 17:20

I once met a Nelson who was an absolute chinless wonder and yes it got shortened to Nelly. Good dog name though.