Niels
Every Niels since 1893 — 1,462 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Niels
Niels is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #6,060 in 2025 with 15 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1893, 1,462 American babies have been named Niels. Its peak came in 1957, when 31 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1950s.
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 Niels stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Niels year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 | #6,060 |
| 2024 | 14 | #6,381 |
| 2023 | 7 | #10,488 |
| 2022 | 18 | #5,365 |
| 2021 | 10 | #7,989 |
| 2020 | 12 | #6,914 |
| 2019 | 14 | #6,317 |
| 2018 | 7 | #10,425 |
| 2017 | 14 | #6,246 |
| 2016 | 21 | #4,721 |
| 2015 | 18 | #5,217 |
| 2014 | 17 | #5,415 |
| 2013 | 14 | #6,150 |
| 2012 | 15 | #5,906 |
| 2011 | 14 | #6,160 |
| 2010 | 17 | #5,409 |
| 2009 | 6 | #12,042 |
| 2008 | 10 | #8,115 |
| 2007 | 14 | #6,169 |
| 2006 | 10 | #7,842 |
| 2005 | 11 | #6,977 |
| 2004 | 11 | #6,847 |
| 2003 | 13 | #5,785 |
| 2002 | 15 | #5,074 |
| 2001 | 21 | #3,940 |
| 2000 | 13 | #5,496 |
| 1995 | 12 | #5,028 |
| 1990 | 17 | #3,561 |
| 1985 | 18 | #2,794 |
| 1980 | 10 | #4,046 |
| 1975 | 13 | #3,026 |
| 1970 | 20 | #2,039 |
| 1965 | 16 | #2,051 |
| 1960 | 6 | #3,939 |
| 1955 | 20 | #1,768 |
| 1950 | 20 | #1,691 |
| 1945 | 8 | #2,701 |
| 1940 | 8 | #2,804 |
| 1935 | 6 | #3,536 |
| 1930 | 13 | #2,262 |
| 1925 | 11 | #2,700 |
| 1920 | 11 | #2,716 |
| 1915 | 14 | #2,041 |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | 5 | #1,368 |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Niels
- Niels Bohr Physicist · 1885–1962
- Niels Henrik Abel Mathematician · 1802–1829
- Niels, King of Denmark Politician · 1065–1134
- Niels Gade Composer · 1817–1890
- Niels Ryberg Finsen Physician · 1860–1904
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Niels in 2025?
Niels ranked #6,060 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 15 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Niels?
1,462 babies have been named Niels in the United States since 1893, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Niels most popular?
Niels peaked in 1957, when 31 newborns received the name.
Is Niels a boy or girl name?
Niels is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Niels rising or falling?
Niels is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Niels?
Well-known people named Niels include Niels Bohr (physicist), Niels Henrik Abel (mathematician), Niels, King of Denmark (politician).