Welles is a unique and distinctive name of American origin. It is believed to have been created by the renowned film director Orson Welles, who was born George Orson Welles in 1915. The story goes that his parents named him George but he preferred to go by his middle name, Orson, which he used throughout his childhood and adolescence. However, upon enrolling at the Todd School for Boys in Woodstock, Illinois, Welles discovered that another student had already claimed the name Orson as his own. In order to maintain his distinctiveness, Welles decided to adopt a new first name and chose "Welles," using his family's ancestral surname.
The name Welles has no specific meaning or association with any particular language or culture. It is simply a surname that was adapted for use as a given name by Orson Welles himself. Despite its lack of traditional meaning, the name Welles has become synonymous with the iconic film director and actor who bore it. Throughout his career, Welles was known for his innovative and groundbreaking work in cinema, most notably in his masterpiece "Citizen Kane," which is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.
In recent years, the name Welles has begun to gain popularity as a given name for boys once again. While it remains relatively rare compared to more common names like William or Alexander, its unique and distinctive sound continues to appeal to parents looking for something different for their sons. Overall, while the name Welles may not have any traditional meaning or origin story beyond that of Orson Welles himself, its association with one of cinema's most legendary figures has made it a memorable and enduring choice for baby boys.
The name Welles has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past century in the United States. In its early years, it was quite uncommon, with only five births recorded in both 1915 and 1917.
However, the name began to gain traction in the 2010s, with ten births each in 2012 and 2013. This increasing trend continued into the following years, reaching a peak of fifty-six births in 2021.
Interestingly, the last three years have seen a slight decrease in popularity compared to the previous peak. In 2022, there were forty-three births, and in 2023, there were thirty-one, indicating that while Welles is still popular, it may not be quite as trendy as it was at its peak.
Overall, since 1915, there have been a total of 396 babies named Welles born in the United States. This represents a steady increase in popularity over time, with the most significant growth occurring in recent years. Despite some fluctuations, Welles has managed to maintain a consistent presence among baby names in the U.S.