Nils
Boy name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Nils: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 2012.
Nils is a Scandinavian and German short form of Nicholas, itself from the Greek *Nikolaos*, meaning "victory of the people." In Scotland, it arrived via Norse influence, and the name also shares roots with the Gaelic *Niall* (the origin of Neil). The most famous bearer is undoubtedly Nils Holgersson, the adventurous boy from Selma Lagerlöf's classic children's novel, whose journey across Sweden on a goose's back became a beloved story worldwide. Another notable Nils is the king penguin Nils Olav, knighted mascot of the Norwegian King's Guard. While no major places are named directly after a Nils, the etymological cousin *Niels* is common in Denmark, and the name remains a quietly stylish, international choice in modern Scotland.
Boy 1 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20123 babies
- Latest (2012)
- #6693 babies
- Total births
- 3since 2012
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y