Niels

Niels is a masculine given name, chiefly used in Denmark and other Nordic countries. It is the Danish form of Nicholas, which derives from the Greek Nikolaos, meaning “victory of the people” (from nike, victory, and laos, people). The name has long been common in Danish-speaking communities and remains a recognizable traditional given name in Denmark and nearby regions.

In Danish usage, Niels is typically pronounced roughly as “neels.” Variants and related forms appear in different languages, but Niels as a standalone name is most closely associated with Danish and Dutch contexts. The name has featured prominently in Danish culture and history, with many notable bearers across various fields.

Notable individuals with the name include Niels Bohr (1885–1962), a Danish physicist who contributed to the development of quantum theory and received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922; Niels Henrik Abel (1802–1829), a Norwegian mathematician known for Abelian integrals and Abel’s theorem; and Niels Fogh Rasmussen (born 1953), a Danish politician who served as Prime Minister of Denmark (2001–2009) and later as Secretary General of NATO (2009–2014).

The name Niels remains a familiar and enduring choice in Denmark and the broader Nordic region, reflecting its classical origins while continuing to be used in contemporary naming practices. See also: Nicholas, Nikolaos.