The given name Nelson has its origins in the English language and dates back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English words "nes" and "leah," which together mean "promontory meadow" or "meadow by the headland." The name was initially a surname that referred to someone who lived near a promontory meadow or a headland.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nelson can be found in the Domesday Book, a survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book mentions a landowner named "Nelsone" in Yorkshire.

As a first name, Nelson gained popularity in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, likely influenced by the fame of Horatio Nelson (1758-1805), the renowned British naval officer who played a crucial role in the Napoleonic Wars. His victories at the Battle of the Nile in 1798 and the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 made him a national hero in Britain.

Other notable historical figures with the first name Nelson include:

1. Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of South Africa, who played a pivotal role in ending racial segregation and discrimination.

2. Nelson Rockefeller (1908-1979), an American businessman, philanthropist, and politician who served as the 41st Vice President of the United States under President Gerald Ford.

3. Nelson Eddy (1901-1967), an American actor and singer who enjoyed a successful career in Hollywood musicals and opera during the 1930s and 1940s.

4. Nelson Piquet (born 1952), a Brazilian former Formula One racing driver who won three World Drivers' Championship titles in 1981, 1983, and 1987.

5. Nelson Algren (1909-1981), an American writer known for his gritty and realistic depictions of life in urban areas, particularly in his novel "The Man with the Golden Arm."

While the name Nelson has its roots in English, it has also been adopted and used in various cultures around the world, reflecting the global reach and influence of the English language.