Nils

What does the baby name Nils mean? Learn about what Nils means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Nils - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Nils: N-I-L-S, is a 4-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Nils: NILS; neels
Meaning of Nils: Victory of the people, people's triumph, champion.
Origin of Nils: The name 'Nils' is a male name with Scandinavian roots, derived from the Old Norse name Níðhöggr, meaning 'harmful striker' or 'malicious striker'. In terms of its origin, 'Nils' can be traced back to the Viking Age, where it was a common name among Norse warriors and seafarers. Its earliest known use dates back to the 9th century in Scandinavia.; Danish Names; Greek Names; Norwegian Names; Saints Names; Scandinavian Names; Swedish Names; Swiss Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Nils: Claas; Claes; Claus; Colas; Cole; Colet; Colin; Coulson; Klaas; Lasse; Milek; Nic; Nicanor; Niccolo; Nichol; Nicholas; Nichols; Nick; Nicklas; Nickolaus; Nicky; Nicola; Nicolai; Nicolao; Nikita; Niklaas; Nikodem; Nikola; Nikolai; Nikolos; Nikos; Nilos
Popularity of Nils: Over time, the popularity of the name 'Nils' has fluctuated. In the early centuries, it was predominantly used in Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. However, it gained international recognition in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in German-speaking countries. This can be attributed to the influence of the renowned German novelist Selma Lagerlöf, who introduced the character 'Nils' Holgersson in her popular children's book 'The Wonderful Adventures of 'Nils'.; Nils currently has 27 likes, and is in the top 7% of liked boy's names. The name Aswin is slightly more popular than Nils.

Etymology of Nils

The etymology of the name 'Nils' can be traced back to Old Norse, which was spoken by the Vikings. The name is a combination of two elements 'Níð', meaning 'harm' or 'malice', and 'höggr', meaning 'striker' or 'hitter'. This combination reflects the fierce and warrior-like nature associated with the Vikings.

Cultural Significance of Nils

The name 'Nils' holds cultural significance in Scandinavian countries, where it is still commonly used today. It is often associated with bravery, strength, and resilience, reflecting the Viking heritage. In addition, the character 'Nils' Holgersson, created by Selma Lagerlöf, has become an iconic figure in Scandinavian literature and folklore. The story of 'Nils' Holgersson, a young boy who is magically transformed into a miniature size and embarks on a series of adventures with wild geese, has captivated generations of readers and has solidified the name 'Nils' as a symbol of adventure and exploration.