Nels is a name of Scandinavian origin, specifically from the Nordic countries of Norway and Sweden. It is a shortened form of the name Niels or Nils, which are both derived from the Old Norse name Nikulas. This name has its roots in Greek and means "victory of the people."
The name Nels was popularized by the Danish king, King Niels (also known as Niels I), who ruled Denmark during the 12th century. However, it is important to note that this name has been used throughout Scandinavian history and was not limited to just this particular monarch.
Over time, the name Nels has spread beyond its original Scandinavian roots and can now be found in various countries around the world. While it may not be as widely recognized as some other names, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for a name with historical significance and a connection to Nordic culture.
The name Nels has had a varied history of popularity over the past century and a half, with its peak usage occurring around the early to mid-20th century. The highest number of births recorded was 65 in 1918, followed by 58 births in 1916. However, the name has become much less common since then, with fewer than 20 births per year from the 1970s onwards. In recent years, the name Nels has seen a slight resurgence, with 23 births recorded in 2021 and 19 births each in 2022 and 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 3801 births with the name Nels since 1880.