Find out how popular the first name Neils has been for the last 9 years (from 1980 to 1988) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Neils by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Neils is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1988, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Neils.

The history of the first name Neils

The given name Neils is a Scandinavian name with origins tracing back to the Old Norse language. It is derived from the Old Norse word "Nikulás," which itself originated from the Greek name "Nikolaos," meaning "victory of the people."

In the Viking Age, between the 8th and 11th centuries, the name Nikulás was adopted and adapted by the Norse people into various spellings, including Neils, Niels, and Nils. It became a popular name throughout the Nordic regions of Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Neils can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, which are historical narratives and literary works composed in the 13th century. These sagas often featured characters bearing the name Nikulás or its variations, suggesting its widespread use among the Norse people during that time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Neils. One such figure was Neils Stensen (1638-1686), a Danish scientist and philosopher who made significant contributions to the fields of anatomy, geology, and crystallography. He is considered a pioneer in the study of stratigraphy and is often referred to as the "Father of Stratigraphy."

Another prominent Neils was Neils Bohr (1885-1962), a Danish physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of atomic structure and quantum mechanics. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922 for his work on the structure of atoms and the radiation emitted by them.

In the field of literature, Neils Klim (1630-1693) was a Norwegian author and satirist best known for his satirical novel "Nicolai Klimii Iter Subterraneum" (Niels Klim's Underground Travels), which is considered one of the earliest science fiction works. The novel, published in 1741, features a protagonist named Niels Klim who embarks on an imaginary journey to a subterranean world.

In the realm of art, Neils Møller Lund (1863-1916) was a Danish painter and illustrator known for his landscapes and depictions of rural life in Denmark. His works are celebrated for their attention to detail and their ability to capture the essence of the Danish countryside.

Lastly, Neils Gade (1817-1890) was a renowned Danish composer and violinist who played a significant role in the development of Danish Romantic music. He is particularly known for his orchestral works, including eight symphonies and several overtures and chamber works.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the given name Neils, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and enduring presence across various fields and disciplines.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Neils was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Neils, please contact us.

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