Nels

Nels is a masculine given name of Nordic origin that is commonly found in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and among Nordic-descended communities in North America. In many cases, it is an anglicized or variant form of the Danish and Norwegian names Nils or Niels, which themselves derive from Nicholas.

In usage, Nels rose in prominence among Scandinavian immigrant communities in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today it remains less common, but continues to appear in families that maintain traditional spellings, and it is occasionally adopted in English-speaking contexts as a standalone given name.

Spelling variants include Nils, Niels, Nisse, and Nel, with Nelson as a related patronymic or surname in some families. The name’s cultural associations are linked to Nordic naming traditions that favored short, sturdy forms for daily use.

Notable people named Nels have appeared in diverse fields such as science, politics, and the arts, reflecting the historical reach of Nordic heritage across Europe and North America. The name remains a recognizable but relatively rare option today. Related names include Nelson, Nils, and Niels.