Nilson

“Scandinavian” — Associated with notable individuals

Scandinavian origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#9493US 2023

8Births / yr

↑Rising

316All-time births

📅 Since 198200

How to pronounce Nilson

NILS·un

/ˈnɪls.ən/ · stress on NILS · 2 syllables

“Scandinavian”

Associated with notable individuals · Scandinavian origin

What does Nilson mean and where does it come from?

Nilson is primarily a Scandinavian surname that has evolved into a given name. The name is often found in Sweden and Norway, commonly used to denote familial lineage. It is associated with notable individuals, including sports figures from Scandinavia.

Cultural significance

Nilson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scandinavian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of scandinavian.

Peak popularity

Reached #4546 in 1987 — currently #9493 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Nilson?

Nilson works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Nilson Grace

How popular is Nilson right now?

Rising fast — up 2386 spots — currently #9493 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#9493 · Top 7.0%

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#9493	8	▲ up 2386 · +33% births
2022	#11879	6	▼ down 935
2020	#10944	6	▼ down 3715 · -45% births
2015	#7229	11	▲ up 1909 · +38% births
2010	#9138	8	▼ down 1188 · -11% births
2005	#7950	9	▼ down 2492 · -31% births
2000	#5458	13	▲ up 323 · +30% births
1995	#5781	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Nilson

Best Year2000Rank #5458

Peak Count13

Average Rank#8484

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1995 - 20238 years

The story of Nilson

Nilson is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1982. With 316 total births recorded, Nilson remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5781 in 1995, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9493 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Nilson in 1987:

Michael Christopher Matthew Joshua David

Nilson by decade

Nilson peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	16
1990s	68
2000s ★	115
2010s	111
2020s	6

💎Nilson has only 316 total recorded births since 1982 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Nilson?

Common

NilNiIlson

What names sound and feel like Nilson?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nilson also consider these

Nicson

English · English

Nikson

American · son of Nick;

Nisson

Hebrew · miracle

Nixson

American · Son of Nicholas,

Nilton

Portuguese-speaking countries · little or small

Common questions about the name Nilson

What does the name Nilson mean?

Nilson means "Scandinavian" — a name rooted in Scandinavian 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 Nilson?

Nilson is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Nilson?

Nilson originates from Scandinavian tradition. Scandinavian 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 Nilson?

Nilson is a two-syllable name pronounced N IH1 L S AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Nilson a common or rare name?

Nilson is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.