Nils
Every Nils since 1888 — 3,083 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Nils
Nils is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #4,993 in 2025 with 20 babies given the name. It is currently holding steady compared with a decade ago.
Since 1888, 3,083 American babies have been named Nils. Its peak came in 1970, when 48 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1970s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Nils stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Nils year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 20 | #4,993 |
| 2024 | 20 | #5,001 |
| 2023 | 24 | #4,428 |
| 2022 | 15 | #6,064 |
| 2021 | 14 | #6,244 |
| 2020 | 20 | #4,812 |
| 2019 | 20 | #4,922 |
| 2018 | 25 | #4,186 |
| 2017 | 18 | #5,243 |
| 2016 | 21 | #4,723 |
| 2015 | 20 | #4,841 |
| 2014 | 22 | #4,490 |
| 2013 | 25 | #4,031 |
| 2012 | 26 | #3,974 |
| 2011 | 18 | #5,136 |
| 2010 | 31 | #3,510 |
| 2009 | 23 | #4,389 |
| 2008 | 24 | #4,227 |
| 2007 | 23 | #4,325 |
| 2006 | 31 | #3,433 |
| 2005 | 25 | #3,788 |
| 2004 | 18 | #4,727 |
| 2003 | 23 | #3,812 |
| 2002 | 30 | #3,066 |
| 2001 | 39 | #2,514 |
| 2000 | 29 | #3,052 |
| 1995 | 26 | #2,821 |
| 1990 | 36 | #2,071 |
| 1985 | 32 | #1,858 |
| 1980 | 38 | #1,584 |
| 1975 | 30 | #1,691 |
| 1970 | 48 | #1,202 |
| 1965 | 31 | #1,400 |
| 1960 | 30 | #1,475 |
| 1955 | 34 | #1,307 |
| 1950 | 35 | #1,229 |
| 1945 | 23 | #1,401 |
| 1940 | 28 | #1,283 |
| 1935 | 27 | #1,319 |
| 1930 | 25 | #1,488 |
| 1925 | 17 | #1,988 |
| 1920 | 18 | #1,940 |
| 1915 | 23 | #1,440 |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Nils
- Nils Liedholm Soccer player · 1922–2007
- Nils Christie Sociologist · 1928–2015
- Nils von Kantzow Athlete · 1885–1967
- Nils Gabriel Sefström Chemist · 1787–1845
- Nils Johan Andersson Biologist · 1821–1880
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Nils in 2025?
Nils ranked #4,993 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 20 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Nils?
3,083 babies have been named Nils in the United States since 1888, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Nils most popular?
Nils peaked in 1970, when 48 newborns received the name.
Is Nils a boy or girl name?
Nils is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Nils rising or falling?
Nils has been roughly stable over the past decade.
Who are famous people named Nils?
Well-known people named Nils include Nils Liedholm (soccer player), Nils Christie (sociologist), Nils von Kantzow (athlete).