The name George Nelson refers to several prominent individuals throughout history. In the creative and design fields, notable figures include the American industrial designer George Nelson (1908–1986) and the American set decorator George R. Nelson (1927–1992).
In public service, politics, and governance, the name is shared by George Nelson, who served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1765, and George A. Nelson (1873–1962), the 1936 vice presidential candidate of the Socialist Party of America. Legal and labor sectors are represented by George B. Nelson (1876–1943), a justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and George Nelson (1868–1928), a British trade unionist and politician.
Other historical and professional figures bearing the name include George Nelson (born 1950), a former NASA astronaut; George Nelson (1919–1981), an Australian rules footballer; and George Nelson, an Alamo defender. The name is also associated with British nobility and industry, including the 8th Earl Nelson (1905–1981) as well as the 1st and 2nd Barons Nelson of Stafford, who both worked as engineers.
