“Victory of the people” — Associated with September 10
Sweden origin · Boy name
♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls
#4425US 2023
24Births / yr
↑Rising
3kAll-time births
📅 Since 188800.01% of births at peak
How to pronounce Nils
NILZ
/ˈnɪlz/ · stress on NILZ · 1 syllable
“Victory of the people”
Associated with September 10 · Sweden origin
What does Nils mean and where does it come from?
Nils is a Scandinavian diminutive of the name Nicholas, which originally comes from the Greek name Nikolaos (Νικόλαος), meaning 'victory of the people.' The name has been used in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark since the Middle Ages and is often associated with September 10, the feast day of St. Nichola
Cultural significance
Nils has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sweden-speaking communities, where it reflects values of victory of the people.
Rising fast — up 1637 spots — currently #4425 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1915–2023#4425 · Top 3.3%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#4425
24
▲ up 1637 · +60% births
2022
#6062
15
▲ up 180 · +7% births
2021
#6242
14
▼ down 1565 · -30% births
2020
#4677
20
▲ up 37
2015
#4714
20
▼ down 1259 · -35% births
2010
#3455
31
▲ up 257 · +24% births
2005
#3712
25
▼ down 713 · -14% births
2000
#2999
29
▼ down 230 · +12% births
1995
#2769
26
▼ down 678 · -26% births
1990
#2091
35
▼ down 251 · +9% births
1985
#1840
32
▼ down 272 · -16% births
1980
#1568
38
▲ up 104 · +27% births
1975
#1672
30
▼ down 476 · -37% births
1970
#1196
48
▲ up 197 · +55% births
1965
#1393
31
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Nils
1970Rank #1196
48
#2546
↘Falling
1915 - 202325 years
The story of Nils
Nils has been a beloved American name for over 136 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1888. With 2,982 total births recorded, Nils remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1428 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4425 in 2023.
Nils means "Victory of the people" — a name rooted in Sweden tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Nils?
Nils is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Nils have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Nils?
Nils originates from Sweden tradition. Sweden names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Nils?
Nils is a one-syllable name pronounced N IH1 L Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Nils sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Nils flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Nils ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Sibling names that pair with Nils
For a sister
Nils & Stena♡
Nils & Breta♡
Nils & Dahlia♡
Nils & Thilda♡
For a brother
Nils & Gillis♡
Nils & Hilmer♡
Nils & Axel♡
Nils & Erik♡
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