Nilton

“little or small island”

Portuguese-speaking countries origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1427US 2023

773Births / yr

→Stable

95All-time births

📅 Since 193000

How to pronounce Nilton

NILT·UHN

/ˈnɪlt.ˈən/ · stress on NILT · 2 syllables

“little or small island”

Portuguese-speaking countries origin · Boy name

What does Nilton mean and where does it come from?

Nilton is a name most commonly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil. It is considered a diminutive of the name 'Nilo', which refers to the Nile River, and the suffix 'ton' suggesting 'little' or 'small'. The name reflects a geographical reference often cherished in Brazilian c

Cultural significance

Nilton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Portuguese-speaking countries-speaking communities, where it reflects values of little or small island.

Peak popularity

Reached #3962 in 1977 — currently #1427 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Nilton?

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

Nilton Grace

How popular is Nilton right now?

Holding steady — currently #1427 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1930–2023#1427 · Top 1.1%

1930

2000

2005

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1427	773	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1432	753	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1437	723	▲ up 7850 · +10229% births
2005	#9287	7	▼ down 2869 · -30% births
2000	#6418	10	▼ down 1890 · +100% births
1930	#4528	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Nilton

Best Year2023Rank #1427

Peak Count773

Average Rank#4088

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1930 - 20236 years

The story of Nilton

Nilton entered American naming records in 1930 and has been in use for over 94 years. With 95 total births recorded, Nilton remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4528 in 1930 to #1427 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Nilton in 1977:

Michael Jason Christopher David James

Nilton by decade

Nilton peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1930s	5
1970s	19
1980s	11
1990s	20
2000s ★	29
2010s	11

💎Nilton has only 95 total recorded births since 1930 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Nilton?

Common

NilNiIlton

What names sound and feel like Nilton?

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

Nilson

Scandinavian · Scandinavian

Lilton

American · from the hill

Wilton

United Kingdom · Old English

Silton

United Kingdom · Old English

Ailton

Portuguese-speaking countries · Possibly derived from

Milton

American · Originally a surname

Hilton

England · hill settlement

Tilton

American · inhabitant of the

Common questions about the name Nilton

What does the name Nilton mean?

Nilton means "little or small island" — a name rooted in Portuguese-speaking countries 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 Nilton?

Nilton is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Nilton?

Nilton originates from Portuguese-speaking countries tradition. Portuguese-speaking countries 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 Nilton?

Nilton is a two-syllable name pronounced N IH1 L T AH1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Nilton a common or rare name?

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