From the spring or well
Welles is an English surname-turned-first-name derived from the Old English word 'wiella', referring to a spring or stream. It originally denoted someone who lived near a natural water source. The name carries a sense of mid-century sophistication due to its association with legendary filmmaker Orson Welles.
Less common today
Welles isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,417 in 2021.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Influential director, actor, and creator of 'Citizen Kane'
The 'Man in the Red Bandana' who saved lives during 9/11
United States Secretary of the Navy under Abraham Lincoln
