Victory of the people
Nils is the Scandinavian short form of Nicholas. It shares the same Greek roots, combining 'nike' (victory) and 'laos' (people), and has been a staple in Sweden and Norway for centuries.
Less common today
Nils isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,055 in 1990.
Nobel Prize-winning physicist
Rock guitarist and member of the E Street Band
A boy who travels with wild geese · The Wonderful Adventures of Nils
German composer and pianist
Swedish football player and manager
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
