"one who lives near the wells or springs"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Wells
Pronunciation: [ w-EHLZ ]
Does Wells flow with your last name?
A distinguished English surname with springs of literary depth
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Meaning & Origin
"from Wells, Somerset"
Origin: English locational
Language: English
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The Story of Wells
Wells originated as an English locational surname for families who lived near natural springs or wells, from Old English wiella (spring, well). It became a prominent place name — most notably Wells in Somerset, one of England's smallest cathedral cities — and subsequently a distinguished family surname. As a first name, Wells follows the 21st-century trend of using literary and historical surnames as given names with built-in gravitas.
Wells has been slowly but steadily gaining traction as a first name since the 2010s, reflecting the broader trend of distinguished surnames like Brooks, Hayes, and Greer being used as given names. Its literary associations with H.G. Wells and Orson Welles add intellectual prestige that appeals to book-loving parents.
Wells Cathedral in Somerset is one of England's finest medieval buildings. H.G. Wells remains one of the most influential science fiction writers in history. Ida B. Wells was a pioneering civil rights journalist whose investigative reporting on lynching made her one of the most courageous journalists of the 19th century.
Historical Record
Wells first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 5,419 babies have been named Wells in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Wells is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #377 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Wells Cathedral in Somerset, England is one of the finest medieval buildings in Britain
- H.G. Wells wrote The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, and The Invisible Man — foundational texts of science fiction
- Orson Welles directed Citizen Kane at just 25, a film often cited as the greatest ever made
Wells in Other Languages
French
Wells
German
Wells
Spanish
Wells
Japanese
Weruzu
Popularity Over Time
#377
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Wells
O
Orson Welles
Other
1915
American filmmaker and actor, directed Citizen Kane (1941), widely considered among the greatest films ever made
H
H.G. Wells
Writer
1866
English author considered the father of science fiction, wrote The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, and The Invisibl...
English author considered the father of science fiction, wrote The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, and The Invisible Man
I
Ida B. Wells
Activist
1862
African American investigative journalist and civil rights leader who documented and fought against lynching in the Amer...
African American investigative journalist and civil rights leader who documented and fought against lynching in the American South
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Compare Wells with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #377
- Total SSA Count
- 865
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Nicknames
Wel
Wey
Weie
Welkins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Wells
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Wells is also used as a girl name, ranked #8959.
View Wells as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Germanic origin
"ruler of the home"
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Medieval Latin tradition origin
"born on Sunday"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wells
What does the name Wells mean?
"one who lives near the wells or springs" (from Old English). "from Wells, Somerset" (from English locational). Wells originated as an English locational surname for families who lived near natural springs or wells, from Old English wiella (spring, well). It became a prominent place name — most notably Wells in Somerset, one of England's smallest cathedral cities — and subsequently a distinguished family surname. As a first name, Wells follows the 21st-century trend of using literary and historical surnames as given names with built-in gravitas.
What is the origin of the name Wells?
Wells has Old English, English locational, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "one who lives near the wells or springs". In English locational, it means "from Wells, Somerset".
Is Wells a boy or girl name?
Wells is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #377. As a girl name, it is ranked #8959. Wells is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Wells?
Wells is pronounced w-EHLZ.
How popular is the name Wells?
Wells is currently ranked #377 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Wells?
Common nicknames for Wells include Wel, Wey, Weie, and Welkins.
What are good middle names for Wells?
Popular middle name pairings include Wells Harrison, Wells Andrew, Wells James, Wells Michael, Wells Thomas, Wells Henry, and Wells Bennett.
What are good sibling names for Wells?
Names that pair well with Wells as siblings include Brooks, Hayes, Greer, Parker, Scout, Emerson, and Blair.
How many syllables does Wells have?
Wells has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Wells a common or rare name?
Wells is a popular name, ranked #377 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Wells?
Are there other spellings for Wells?
About the Name Wells
Wells is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "one who lives near the wells or springs" in Old English .
Is Wells a boy or girl name? Wells is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #377 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #8,959. Wells is more commonly used as a boy name.
Wells is currently ranked #377 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Wells has 1 syllable and is pronounced w-EHLZ, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Wells include Wel, Wey, Weie, and Welkins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Wells include Weller, Wellington, Welles . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis