Rising since 1989, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Nilson since 1982
Babies named Nilson per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2007, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Nilson's real moment was 2019.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 16 |
| 1990s | 68 |
| 2000s | 116 |
| 2010s | 111 |
| 2020s | 45 |
Meaning & origin
Nilson is a Scandinavian patronymic turned given name, meaning 'son of Nils.' It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1982, marking it as a relatively modern choice for a first name. Its peak in popularity occurred in 2019, though the name has been on a rising trajectory since 1989. With a rank of 7,194 in 2025 and an occurrence rate of 1 in 155,280 births, Nilson remains an uncommon but distinctive option. Its top states are not clearly defined, indicating its use is spread thinly across the country. For parents seeking a name with Scandinavian roots that feels both traditional and fresh, Nilson offers a subtle nod to heritage without being overly common.
Nilson is a patronymic surname, deriving from the given name Nils, a Scandinavian form of Nicholas. Originally meaning 'son of Nils,' it was adopted as a given name, particularly in the United States and other English-speaking countries, often reflecting Scandinavian heritage. Its use as a first name has been rare but steady since the late 20th century.
“Nilson” around the world
Where Nilson lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nil, Nils
Sibling names for Nilson
Names that share Nilson's style, for a brother or sister.
