Choosing a name for your baby is a significant decision. You want something that sounds pleasing, holds meaning, and potentially reflects your heritage or values. The name Nels is a strong contender, offering a blend of classic appeal and understated charm. Let’s delve into the world of Nels, exploring its origins, popularity, and names that share a similar vibe.
(Image of baby boy name Nels)
Nels Name Popularity
So, how popular is the name Nels? The data reveals an interesting trend. While it hasn’t consistently topped the charts, it has maintained a presence throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries.
Here’s a snapshot of Nels name popularity based on data from the Social Security Administration (SSA):
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1911 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1912 | 841 | 7 | 0.0014% |
| 1913 | 916 | 7 | 0.0012% |
| 1914 | 770 | 19 | 0.0027% |
| 1915 | 792 | 25 | 0.0028% |
| 1916 | 764 | 30 | 0.0031% |
| 1917 | 1,223 | 8 | 0.0008% |
| 1918 | 695 | 46 | 0.0043% |
| 1919 | 1,244 | 8 | 0.0008% |
| 1920 | 1,072 | 15 | 0.0013% |
| 1921 | 1,088 | 15 | 0.0013% |
| 1922 | 1,036 | 17 | 0.0015% |
| 1923 | 1,491 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1924 | 1,226 | 10 | 0.0009% |
| 1925 | 1,050 | 16 | 0.0014% |
| 1926 | 1,328 | 7 | 0.0006% |
| 1927 | 900 | 26 | 0.0023% |
| 1928 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1929 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1930 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1931 | 1,137 | 11 | 0.0011% |
| 1932 | 935 | 18 | 0.0018% |
| 1933 | 1,068 | 11 | 0.0012% |
| 1934 | 1,317 | 6 | 0.0006% |
| 1935 | 1,273 | 6 | 0.0006% |
| 1936 | 1,422 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1937 | 1,068 | 11 | 0.0011% |
| 1938 | 1,234 | 6 | 0.0006% |
| 1939 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1940 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1941 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1942 | 1,438 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1943 | 1,429 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1944 | 1,391 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1945 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1946 | 886 | 24 | 0.0016% |
| 1947 | 1,034 | 17 | 0.001% |
| 1948 | 1,351 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1949 | 1,404 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1950 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1951 | 1,195 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 1952 | 1,208 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 1953 | 1,284 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1954 | 1,526 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1955 | 1,061 | 18 | 0.001% |
| 1956 | 1,252 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 1957 | 1,090 | 17 | 0.0009% |
| 1958 | 1,140 | 14 | 0.0007% |
| 1959 | 1,115 | 17 | 0.0009% |
| 1960 | 1,504 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1961 | 1,216 | 12 | 0.0006% |
| 1962 | 1,410 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1963 | 1,228 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 1964 | 1,504 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1965 | 1,275 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 1966 | 1,123 | 14 | 0.0009% |
| 1967 | 1,186 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1968 | 1,438 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1969 | 1,602 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1970 | 1,786 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1971 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1972 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1973 | 1,313 | 11 | 0.0008% |
| 1974 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1975 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1976 | 1,635 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1977 | 1,466 | 11 | 0.0008% |
| 1978 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1979 | 2,064 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1980 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1981 | 1,397 | 15 | 0.001% |
| 1982 | 1,920 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1983 | 2,086 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1984 | 1,584 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1985 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1986 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1987 | 2,353 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1988 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1989 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1990 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1991 | 2,617 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1992 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1993 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1994 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1995 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1996 | 2,712 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1997 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1998 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1999 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2000 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2001 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2002 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2003 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2004 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2005 | 2,728 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2006 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2007 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2008 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2009 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2010 | 2,732 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2011 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2012 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2013 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2014 | 2,551 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2015 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2016 | 2,805 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2017 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2018 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2019 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2020 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2021 | 3,202 | 8 | 0.0007% |
| 2022 | 3,241 | 9 | 0.0007% |
| 2023 | 3,435 | 7 | 0.0005% |
Note: "–" indicates the name was not ranked in the top names for that year, meaning fewer than 5 births were recorded.
The highest number of births with the name Nels appears to be in 1918 with 46 births and a rank of 695. The name experiences periods of absence from the charts, indicating fluctuating popularity. The more recent years show a very small number of births.
The Meaning Behind Nels
While the direct meaning of Nels isn’t explicitly stated in the source data, it is often considered a Scandinavian short form of Nicholas or a variant of names like Nelson.
- Nicholas: Of Greek origin, meaning "people of victory". This gives Nels a strong, triumphant association.
- Nelson: English origin, meaning "son of Nell" or "son of Neal". Nell and Neal both have Irish origins and mean "champion."
Therefore, the name Nels carries implications of victory, leadership, and a strong, champion-like spirit. Its Scandinavian roots also lend it an air of classic simplicity and rugged charm.
Names Similar to Nels
If you’re drawn to the sound and feel of Nels, here are some names that share similar qualities:
Sound-Alike Names:
- Neils: Irish, meaning "champion."
- Niels: Danish variant of Neil.
- Nils: Greek, meaning "people of victory."
Similar Names (with slightly different sounds but related origins or styles):
- Beals: French, meaning "handsome; meadow of peas."
- Celso: Latin, meaning "high, lofty."
- Delos: Greek, meaning "from Delos."
- Kelsy: English.
- Les: Scottish, meaning "holly garden; from Leicester."
- Neal: Irish, meaning "champion."
- Neale: Irish, meaning "champion."
- Neall: Irish, meaning "champion."
- Neel: Latin, meaning "horn; champion."
- Neely: Latin, meaning "horn."
- Neil: Scottish, meaning "champion."
- Neile: Irish, meaning "champion."
- Neill: Irish, meaning "champion."
- Nelsen: A variation of Nelson
- Nelson: English, meaning "son of Nell or Neal."
- Newsy: English, meaning "newcomer."
- Niel: Irish, meaning "champion."
- Nile: Irish, meaning "champion."
- Niles: Irish, a variant of Nicholas.
- Nilos: Greek, meaning "people of victory."
- Noel: French, meaning "Christmas."
- Noll: Latin, meaning "olive tree."
- Nyles: English
- Wells: English, refers to springs or wells
These alternatives offer a range of origins and meanings, allowing you to explore options that resonate with your personal preferences.
Conclusion
Nels is a name with a rich history and subtle strength. While its popularity has fluctuated over the years, it remains a distinctive and meaningful choice for a baby boy. Its association with victory, leadership, and Scandinavian heritage makes it a name that embodies both classic appeal and quiet confidence. If you are looking for a name with a strong meaning, a simple sound, and a touch of old-world charm, Nels is definitely a name to consider.