All about the name NIELS

Meaning, origin, history.

Niels is a name of Danish origin, derived from the Old Norse name Niilas. This name is composed of two elements: 'niandi', which means 'corpse', and 'ulfr', meaning 'wolf'. Therefore, Niels can be interpreted as 'corpse wolf'.

The name Niels has a rich history in Denmark. It was borne by several significant figures throughout Danish history. One notable figure was Niels Ebbesen, a hero who fought against the King of Denmark, Eric V, in the early 14th century. Ebbesen played a crucial role in the downfall of Eric's tyrannical reign and is remembered as a symbol of freedom in Denmark.

Another famous bearer of the name Niels was Niels Bohr, a Danish physicist who made significant contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum mechanics. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922 for his work on the structure of atoms and the radiation emanating from them.

Today, Niels remains a popular name in Denmark and other Scandinavian countries. Although its original meaning might seem macabre, it has evolved into a strong and distinctive name with a rich history behind it. Despite its unusual origins, Niels is often seen as a powerful and unique choice for parents looking for a name that combines strength and uniqueness.

See also

Denmark

Popularity of the name NIELS since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

The name Niels has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1893 and 2023, there have been a total of 1433 births registered with this name.

Looking at the statistics year by year, we can observe that the number of births with the name Niels has fluctuated significantly. In some years, such as 1893 and 1935, only 5 babies were named Niels. Conversely, in other years like 2022, there were 18 recorded births.

The highest peak in popularity for the name Niels occurred in 1957 with a total of 31 births. This was followed by another high point in 1968 and 1969, with 19 and 20 births respectively. However, these peaks are not indicative of a consistent trend towards increased popularity for the name Niels.

Instead, we see a pattern of fluctuating popularity, with some years seeing only a few births with this name, while others have more than ten. This suggests that the name Niels has maintained a steady yet variable presence in the United States over time, neither skyrocketing to extreme heights nor dwindling away entirely.

In recent years, the number of births with the name Niels has generally hovered between 7 and 21 per year, indicating that while it may not be one of the most popular names in the U.S., it remains a recognized and used choice among parents.