Nils

Nils is the Swedish variant of the name Nikolaus and thus carries the same meaning 'victory of the people'. This derivation comes from Ancient Greek, where 'nike' means 'victory' and 'laos' means 'people'. The character Nils Holgersson from the children's book 'The Wonderful Adventures of Nils Holgersson with the Wild Geese', written by Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf, is particularly well-known.

What does the name Nils mean?

Nils is the Swedish version of Nikolaus and means 'victory of the people'. This meaning derives from the Ancient Greek words 'nike' for 'victory' and 'laos' for 'people'. The name Nils is primarily common in Sweden, while in Denmark and Norway the spelling Niels is more frequent. In Germany, Nils is also very popular as a masculine first name and reflects the trend towards short, Nordic names. The form Niels is less common here, but it also has Low German roots and is considered a short form of Cornelius.

Where does the name Nils come from?

The name Nils, as the Swedish form of Nikolaus, has its origins in the Ancient Greek name Nikolaos as well as in the terms 'nike' for 'victory' and 'laos' for 'people'. Ancient Greek

How do you pronounce Nils?

The pronunciation of Nils is clear and concise. In the German language, the name is generally pronounced as 'Nils' [nɪls]. The combination '-ls' provides a distinct, firm ending, while the short vowel gives the name a direct note. Nils radiates a Nordic and pragmatic character and appears simple, modern, and present.

When is the name day of Nils?

The name day of Nils is celebrated on December 6th in honor of Saint Nicholas of Myra (Saint Nicholas).

Popularity

In Germany, Nils is among the sought-after masculine first names and currently ranks 152nd on the list of most common baby names. Its best placement was in 2001, when it reached 23rd place. In the last ten years, Nils has been given as a first name around 7,400 times, placing it 102nd in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 81st.

Nicknames & pet names

Bils / Gordi / Gornildo / Ils / Knilsi / Lails / McNils / Neils / Neins / Nels / Nelse / Nelsen / Nelso / Nelsogordo / Nelson / Nessi / Nials / Niels / Nielsipilsi / Nieselprim / Nil / Nile / Nilf / Nili / Niliber / Niliman / Nille / Nillepillr / Nilli / Nillie / Nilo / Nilpferd / Nilsa / Nilsaa / Nilsabelsia / Nilsadella / Nilsbert / Nilschen / Nilschi / Nilse / Nilsemann / Nilser / Nilsi / Nilsiber / Nilsibilsi / Nilsiboy / Nilsidilsi / Nilsihasi / Nilsiherz / Nilsii / Nilsilein / Nilsimaus / Nilsipilsi / Nilsiterchäs / Nilsmann / Nilsnus / Nilso / Nilson / Nilspferd / Nilssnob / Nilu / Nilz / Nis / Nisel / Niss / Nisse / Niz / Niöls / Njels / Nuels / Nuls / Nölsen / Pils / Schiels / Schnilz / Schnölz / Sils / Slin / Snils

Similar first names

Famous people

• Niels Bohr (Danish physicist)
• Niels Grötsch (singer and guitarist (Revolverheld))
• Nils Allen Stewart (dancer, singer, and actor)
• Nils Alstrup Dahl (Norwegian theologian)
• Nils Andersson (artist from Sweden)
• Nils Bahr (German football player)
• Nils Bokelberg (host & singer)
• Nils Bomhoff (host)
• Nils Collett Vogt (Norwegian poet)
• Nils Erik Åkerlindh (Swedish wrestler)
• Nils Frederik Müller (German football player)
• Nils Frederking (German designer)
• Nils Gaup (film director from Norway)
• Nils Graf Stenbock-Fermor (German painter)
• Nils Holgerson (goose flyer)
• Nils Johnson (Norwegian actor)
• Nils Julius (actor & host)
• Nils Koppruch (German musician)
• Nils Landgren (Swedish singer & trombonist)
• Nils Lange (footballer from Germany)