Find out how popular the first name Nils has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nils by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Nils is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 24 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nils.

The history of the first name Nils

The given name Nils has its origins in the Old Norse language, which was spoken by the Germanic peoples who inhabited Scandinavia and parts of northern Europe during the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries). It is derived from the Old Norse word "nīll," which means "cloud" or "dark."

The earliest recorded use of the name Nils dates back to the 12th century, when it appeared in Icelandic sagas and other literary works from the region. It was a common name among the Norse people and was often given to boys born during the winter months or on overcast days.

In the Middle Ages, the name Nils became popular in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. It was associated with strength, resilience, and a connection to nature, reflecting the harsh climate and rugged landscapes of the region.

One of the earliest and most notable historical figures with the name Nils was Nils Dacke, a Swedish rebel leader who led an uprising against King Gustav Vasa in the 16th century (1543-1544). His rebellion, known as the Dacke War, aimed to resist the centralization of power and the imposition of taxes by the king.

Another prominent individual bearing the name Nils was Nils Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld (1832-1901), a Finnish-Swedish explorer and scientist. He is best known for leading the Vega Expedition, which was the first successful voyage through the Northeast Passage, a long-sought maritime route along the northern coast of Siberia.

In the realm of literature, Nils Holgersson is the name of the main character in the famous Swedish novel "The Wonderful Adventures of Nils" by Selma Lagerlöf (1858-1940). Published in 1906-1907, the book follows the adventures of a young boy who is transformed into a tiny being and travels across Sweden on the back of a goose.

Another notable figure with the name Nils was Nils Bohlin (1920-2002), a Swedish inventor and engineer. He is credited with creating the three-point seatbelt, a groundbreaking invention that has saved countless lives in automobiles since its introduction in the late 1950s.

In the field of science, Nils Gabriel Sefström (1787-1845) was a Swedish chemist and mineralogist who discovered and named several chemical elements, including vanadium and thorium.

While the name Nils has its roots in Old Norse and Scandinavian cultures, it has also been adopted and used in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with strong cultural or historical ties to the Nordic regions.

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 Nils was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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