Victory of the people
Nels is a Scandinavian diminutive of Nicholas, specifically the Danish and Norwegian form. It shares the same etymological roots as the more common Swedish variant Nils, derived from the Greek name Nikolaos.
Less common today
Nels isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,781 in 1990.
Lead guitarist for the American rock band Wilco
American actor known for his role in True Blood
The henpecked but kind mercantile owner · Little House on the Prairie
Hockey Hall of Fame center
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
