Nils
BoySwedish
Nils is a boy name of Swedish origin meaning "victory of the people (Greek origin)".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
Swedish
Religion
Christian
Popularity
2 / 100
Syllables
1
Length
4 letters
Meaning
victory of the people (Greek origin)
Etymology
Nils is the Scandinavian short form of Nicholas, which comes from the Greek name Nikolaos meaning 'victory of the people'. It entered Scandinavian usage via Latin and Old Norse adaptations.
Famous People Named Nils
- Nils Politt — German cyclist
- Nils Johan Andersson — Swedish botanist (1821-1880)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nils
What does the name Nils mean?
Nils means "victory of the people (Greek origin)", and is of Swedish origin.
What is the origin of the name Nils?
Nils originates from Swedish, commonly used in Northern Europe (Scandinavia).
Is Nils a boy or girl name?
Nils is typically used as a boy name.
What religion is the name Nils associated with?
Nils is associated with Christian.
Are there famous people named Nils?
Yes — notable people named Nils include Nils Politt (German cyclist) and Nils Johan Andersson (Swedish botanist, 1821-1880).
Last updated: June 2026