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Wellington

♂ Boy

Pronounced WEL-ing-tən /ˈwɛl.ɪŋ.tən/High

Meaning: From Wellington, Somerset — an Old English settlement name of debated elements — made famous as the Duke of Wellington's titleLow

In 30 seconds: A name that beat Napoleon: Wellington is the Somerset town that titled the Iron Duke — and now names New Zealand's capital, a beef dish, and a very dignified boot.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningFrom Wellington, Somerset — an Old English settlement name of debated elements — made famous as the Duke of Wellington's title

U.S. rank (2025)#4382 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births24 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1922

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,879

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Wellington is an Old English place name from Somerset — its exact elements are debated, with 'settlement of Weola's people' among the readings — that became immortal as the title of Arthur Wellesley, the Iron Duke who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. New Zealand's capital and Brazil's beloved given-name tradition (Brazilian footballers answer to Wellington by the dozen) carry it on.

In Brazil and Lusophone Africa it is a genuine first-name staple; in the U.S. it remains rare and stately, with Wells the obvious modern nickname.

Did you know? The Duke of Wellington's fame was so total that a boot, a beef preparation, and a national capital all took his name — few victories have echoed so deliciously.

Overall data confidence 72%

Oxford Dictionary of British Place Names — Wellington — elements debated

Variations

WelingtonWellingtons

Nicknames

WellsWellyTon

Famous Bearers

★Wellington Nem (1992-)
Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger

If you like Wellington…

Winston— the fellow British-statesman name of equal gravitas

Wells— the nickname-name living inside it

Sterling— another polished Anglophile pick

Kensington— a fellow grand English place name for children

Explore names like Wellington

By themeenglish place-name historical

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Wellington mean?

Wellington comes from a Somerset town name of debated Old English elements, made famous as the Duke of Wellington's title.

How do you pronounce Wellington?

It's said WEL-ing-tən /ˈwɛl.ɪŋ.tən/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Wellington a boy or girl name?

Wellington is a boy's name.

How popular is Wellington?

Wellington is rare in the U.S. and a common given name in Brazil.