Nils
Meaning: Nils: A crisp name evoking clarity and purpose
Origin: Scandinavian/French
Gender: Boy
Rank in France: #431
Total births: 7,253
History: Scandinavian form of Nicholas meaning victory of the people. Nils has been popular in France since the 2000s. Short, clean, and international.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from France’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2021) | #298 |
| Babies named Nils in 2021 | 163 |
| Total recorded in France | 7,210 |
| Peak year | 2010 (341 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #194 |
| Years in records | 1930–2021 (69 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 42 spots |
Frequently asked about Nils
What does the name Nils mean?
Nils means “Nils: A crisp name evoking clarity and purpose” from Scandinavian/French roots.
What is the origin of the name Nils?
Nils has Scandinavian/French origin. The traditional meaning is “Nils: A crisp name evoking clarity and purpose”.
How popular is Nils in France?
Nils ranked #298 in France in 2021 — given to 163 babies that year.
When was Nils most popular?
Nils peaked in 2010 with 341 babies registered that year in France.
Is Nils a boy or girl name?
Nils is predominantly a boys' name in France — over 90% of Nilss in registered births are male.
Is the name Nils rising or falling in popularity?
Nils has fallen 42 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in France — from #256 in 2016 to #298 in 2021.
How long has Nils been recorded in France?
Nils appears in birth records in France across 69 years — from 1930 through 2021.