Origin and Meaning of Nils

Victory of the people

Origin: Swedish - Nils is derived from the Latin name Nicolaus, which comes from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people' (nikē 'victory' + laos 'people').

• Nils is a traditional Scandinavian name primarily used in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, often associated with Norse culture.
• The name Nils is commonly used among the Nordic countries, while similar variants include Niels (Danish) and Nikola (Slavic).
• Notable bearers of the name include Nils Bohr, a Danish physicist who made foundational contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum theory, and Nils Holgersson, a character from the famous Swedish children's book 'Nils Holgerssons underbara resa genom Sverige' by Selma Lagerlöf.
• Nils has enjoyed stable popularity in Nordic countries, particularly in Sweden, where it remains a classic name consistently used over the decades.
• Variations of the name Nils can be seen in different cultures, including Niels, Nikolai, and Nicholas, each retaining a similar meaning and etymology.