Gilson is both an English and French surname and a given name. Notable people with the name include:
Surname:
- Alf Gilson, English footballer
- Étienne Gilson, French philosopher
- Earl Gilson, American politician
- François Gilson, Belgian comics writer
- Franklin L. Gilson, American politician
- Georges Gilson, French Catholic bishop
- Jamie Gilson, American children's book author
- Jerome Gilson, American trademark lawyer
- Luther F. Gilson, American politician
- Paul Gilson, Belgian composer
- Tom Gilson, American actor
- Tom Gilson (American football), American football player
Given name:
- Gilson Lavis, former drummer for the band Squeeze
- Gilson Lubin, Canadian comedian
- Gilson Manuel Silva Alves, Cape Verdean footballer
- Gilson Varela, Cape Verdean footballer