NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Nils

What is the origin of the name Nils?

The name "Nils" is of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse name "Níðhöggr," which means "malice striker" or "the one striking with violent hatred." Over time, the name evolved and became more commonly known as "Nils," particularly in Norway and Sweden. It may also be considered a variant of the name "Nicholas."

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the first name Nils

For only 3.95 $, get exclusive access to the complete and fascinating history of your first name. Discover details you won't find anywhere else!

Unlock the Secrets of Your First Name Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your First Name Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my first name's origin now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Paymment Secured By Stripe

Learn more about the origin of the name Nils

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Nils

The name Nils is a masculine given name that originated in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. It is derived from the Old Norse name "Níðhöggr," which translates to "dreadful striker" or "malicious striker." In Norse mythology, Níðhöggr was a dragon or serpent-like creature that lived in the roots of the World Tree, Yggdrasil, and gnawed on its roots. Over time, the name morphed into various forms, including Niklas, Nikolaus, and ultimately Nils. Nils gained popularity in Scandinavian countries during the 19th and 20th centuries. It is often considered a short form of the name Nicholas, which means "victory of the people." Nils embodies traits such as strength, determination, and independence. Along with its rich mythological origins, Nils continues to be a beloved name choice for families seeking a traditional Scandinavian name with a touch of history and strength.

Character traits associated with the name Nils

Nils is a name that carries a sense of confidence and strength. Those named Nils are often known for their independent nature and their ability to take charge of any situation. They possess a natural leadership quality and are respected for their decision-making skills. Nils is a forward-thinking individual who is not afraid to challenge the status quo and push boundaries. With an analytical mind, Nils is highly logical and systematic, making them excel in problem-solving tasks. They are also incredibly dependable and trustworthy, always following through on their commitments. Nils has a competitive spirit that fuels their drive to achieve success in whatever they set their mind to. However, underneath their serious and focused demeanor, Nils often has a warm and caring heart, showing great compassion towards those they hold dear. Overall, Nils embodies qualities of strength, independence, wisdom, and compassion.

Popularity of the name Nils

Nils is a name that has seen a fluctuating level of popularity over the years. It originated from Scandinavia and is derived from the name Nicholas. In some regions, Nils is a traditional short form of the name Nils-Holgersson, a beloved literary character in Sweden. In terms of popularity, Nils experienced a surge during the mid-20th century, particularly in countries like Sweden, Norway, and Germany. During this time, it was a somewhat common and well-liked choice for parents seeking a simple and strong name for their sons. However, in recent years, the popularity of Nils has waned significantly, with fewer parents opting for this moniker. Today, Nils remains a unique and distinctive name, often chosen by those seeking a name that is less common and more individualistic. Despite its declining popularity, the name Nils continues to hold a certain charm and appeal, especially for individuals with Scandinavian heritage or a love for Nordic culture.

Famous people with the name Nils

Nils is a relatively less common name, but there have been notable figures who have carried this moniker. One of the most renowned Nils is Nils Bohlin, a Swedish engineer who revolutionized automobile safety with his invention of the three-point seatbelt. His groundbreaking innovation saved countless lives and is now a standard feature in cars worldwide. Another famous Nils is Nils Lofgren, an American musician known for his work as a guitarist with the legendary rock band Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Lofgren has also had a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums and captivating audiences with his exceptional guitar skills. Lastly, Nils Asther, a Swedish-born actor, made a notable impact in the early days of Hollywood, starring in several silent and early sound films. Despite the relative rarity of the name Nils, these individuals have left a lasting legacy in their respective fields.

Variations of the name Nils

The first name Nils is predominantly used in Scandinavian countries, particularly in Sweden and Norway. However, variations of this name can be found in other languages and cultures as well. In Norway, the variant "Nilsen" is a commonly seen surname, derived from the given name Nils. In Sweden, we often come across the variant "Nisse," which is an affectionate and slightly informal form of Nils. In Germany, one can find the variation "Nilsch," which is often used as a surname or a nickname. In Finland, the name is translated as "Niilo" or "Niklas," and both variants are widely used. Additionally, the English language has further derived the name into "Niles," adding a slight twist to the original Scandinavian pronunciation. Overall, the name Nils and its variations are popular across Northern Europe and have a rich linguistic diversity.

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Nilzon (First name)

forenames > nilzon

The origin of the first name Nilzon is unclear. It does not appear to have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English.

Nilzo (First name)

forenames > nilzo

The first name Nilzo is of Brazilian origin.

Nilzinette (First name)

forenames > nilzinette

The name Nilzinette appears to be of Hispanic origin. It is likely a variation of the name Nilza, which is a Portuguese name derived from the Greek name Nilsa, meaning "torch" or "...

Nilzie (First name)

forenames > nilzie

Nilzie is a rare first name of unknown origin. It does not have a well-documented history or meaning.

Nilziane (First name)

forenames > nilziane

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Nilzia (First name)

forenames > nilzia

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Nilzette (First name)

forenames > nilzette

The name Nilzette does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English. It appears to be a rare or unique name with no specific historical or cultural references.

Nilzett (First name)

forenames > nilzett

The origin of the first name Nilzett is unclear as it does not have a widely recognized etymology.

Nilzeti (First name)

forenames > nilzeti

The origin of the first name Nilzeti is not clear, as it does not appear to have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English.

Nilzeth (First name)

forenames > nilzeth

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Nilzete-maria (First name)

forenames > nilzete-maria

The origin of the name Nilzete Maria is Portuguese. Nilzete is a feminine given name that is of uncertain origin and meaning. Maria is a common given name of Hebrew origin, meaning...

Nilzete (First name)

forenames > nilzete

The name Nilzete is of Brazilian origin. It is a female variant of the name Nilson, which is of Scandinavian origin and means "sons de Nils" in Swedish.

Nilzemar (First name)

forenames > nilzemar

The origin of the name Nilzemar is not clear as it does not have a known linguistic or cultural origin. It may be a unique or invented name.

Nilzeli (First name)

forenames > nilzeli

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Nilzelene (First name)

forenames > nilzelene

The name "Nilzelene" does not have a widely recognized origin or etymology. It appears to be a rare and unique name without a specific cultural or historical background.