Names / Boy names
Nels
Current rank
#4,656
and rising
All-time peak
#309
in 1884
First recorded
1880
in U.S. data
Children named
3,800
since 1880
Popularity over time
Annual U.S. children given the name · Peak #309 in 1884 · Source: Social Security Administration
Meaning & background
Nels is a boys' name that makes its debut in 1880. Usage has ticked up in recent years while remaining off the most-common lists. 1884 marked its high point, reaching #309. Across all years, more than 3,800 children have been named this.