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Name Origin

Niels is a Scandinavian masculine given name, primarily of Danish origin. It is a short form of the name Nielsine, which itself derives from the Greek name Nikolaos meaning 'victory of the people'.

scandinaviandanishmasculinevictorypeople

Famous People

Niels Bohr (1885-1962)

Physicist

Developed the Bohr model of the atom
Made foundational contributions to quantum theory
Won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922

Niels Henrik David Bohr (1920-2003)

Philosopher and Physicist

Contributed to the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics
Wrote extensively on the philosophy of science

Niels Ryberg Finsen (1860-1904)

Physician and Scientist

Pioneered the use of phototherapy for treating diseases like lupus vulgaris
Won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1903

Niels Abel (1802-1829)

Mathematician

Proved the impossibility of solving quintic equations by radicals (Abel–Ruffini theorem)
Made significant contributions to group theory and elliptic functions

Sibling Names

Astrid

Both Niels and Astrid are Scandinavian names with a strong and classic feel.

Freya

A beautiful Norse name like Freya pairs well with Niels, creating a sense of mythical elegance.

Magnus

Both names have a powerful and masculine presence, suggesting a strong bond between siblings.