A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Nilsa since 1946
Babies named Nilsa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 22 |
| 1950s | 419 |
| 1960s | 606 |
| 1970s | 349 |
| 1980s | 184 |
| 1990s | 103 |
| 2000s | 63 |
| 2010s | 25 |
| 2020s | 38 |
Meaning & origin
Nilsa is a rare feminine name of Scandinavian origin, likely a variant of Nils. First recorded in the U.S. in 1946, it saw its greatest popularity in 1960, its peak year. After decades of decline, Nilsa has been rising since 2015, though it remains uncommon (rank 14,942 in 2025, with a 1-in-321,453 birth rate). The name fits a modern trend of reviving vintage short forms, yet it has never cracked the top 1,000. Its simplicity and connection to the enduring Nicholas family give it a quiet appeal, especially among families with Scandinavian heritage.
Nilsa is a feminine variant of Nils, the Swedish and Norwegian short form of Nicholas. The name Nicholas derives from the Greek name Nikolaos, composed of 'nike' (victory) and 'laos' (people). While Nils has a long history in Scandinavia, Nilsa appears to be a much rarer feminine adaptation, possibly influenced by the similar-sounding Spanish name Elsa or other -sa endings.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nilly, Nilsi
Sibling names for Nilsa
Names that share Nilsa's style, for a brother or sister.
