Wells Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Wells is of Old English origin, meaning 'springs' or 'streams.' It evolved from the word 'wella' through various historical forms. The name is associated with natural features and has no biblical relevance. It gained popularity as a surname before becoming a given name, and while it is uncommon today, it carries a positive connotation.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Wells"
Pronunciation
/wɛlz/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Wells is derived from the Old English word 'wella,' meaning 'spring' or 'stream,' referring to a place with springs or water sources.
Meaning
springs, streams
Language Evolution
Wella, Welle, Wells
Historical Usage
The name Wells gained popularity as a surname in medieval England, often denoting someone who lived near a spring or water source. It later became used as a given name.
Variants & Derivatives
Well, Wellsy
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Wells is often associated with natural beauty and tranquility, reflecting its meaning related to water. It remains relatively uncommon as a first name but is recognized as a surname.
Famous People
H.G. Wells, Wells Adams, Wells Tower
📊 Wells Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Wells Name Visualizations
✨ Wells Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 877 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 42 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Wells" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Wells". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Wells" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Wells"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Wells"
"Wells" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1634th of 7545 | 341 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2235th of 6773 | 205 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2710th of 7552 | 174 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3715th of 10718 | 124 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5224th of 16616 | 134 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4331st of 24088 | 321 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 664th of 23106 | 4,714 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 26979th of 35406 | 16 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 8777th of 30306 | 145 |
Regional Popularity of "Wells" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
74.79% 1059th/1416 |
- |
96.75% 2289th/2366 |
85.99% 982nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
73.67% 1139th/1546 |
- | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
50.21% 3672nd/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
13.93% 555th/3984 |
20.01% 898th/4487 |
9.22% 629th/6822 |
11.09% 696th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Wells" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
100.00% 6822nd/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity of "Wells"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Wells" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Wells" in the United States
The name Wells is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Wells has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Wells' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1634th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2235th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2710th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3715th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5224th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4331st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 664th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 26979th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 8777th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Wells' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.