Wells

Updated: May 10, 2022 by MomsWhoThink Staff

Turning surnames into given names is quite popular these days, and Wells is a perfect example. The Old English surname has been racing up the list of the top 1,000 names for baby boys in the United States since 2017, and it's likely to keep going into the 2020s. The name dates back to the 12th century, but its exact meaning is unknown. As a matter of fact, it's thought to have three different meanings, so new parents can choose the one they like most. Because it's a one-syllable moniker, it also makes a great middle name.

Meaning of the name Wells :

English: Person who lives near a spring, wellman, or Wales

Origin of the name Wells :

Wells was first used as an English surname during the 12th century, and it has three potential meanings. The first is that it's simply an English name for the country of Wales. The second is that it was a geographical surname assigned to someone who lived near a spring. The third is that it was an occupational surname assigned to someone who lived near a spring.

Symbolism of the name Wells :

Wells doesn't offer too much in the way of symbolism. New parents may associate the name with a spring or water source, which is often symbolic of new life.

Style of the name Wells :

Surname as a given name, traditional

Gender of the name Wells :

Wells is a boy's name.

Pronunciation of the name Wells :

WELLS

Number of syllables in the name Wells :

One

Emotion evoked from the name Wells :

The baby name Wells evokes images of someone who is studious and intelligent.

Alternative spellings for the name Wells :

Wales
Wails
Welles

Nicknames for the name Wells :

Wellie

Popularity of the name Wells :

According to the Social Security Administration, Wells has been a top 1,000 baby name for boys in the United States since 2017. It's on the rise, and it last ranked at number 479 in 2021.