Nikolai Name Meaning

The name Nikolai is often associated with the concepts of victory, success, and leadership. It is also linked to the qualities of kindness, generosity, and wisdom. As such, it is a popular name for boys and has been for many generations.

Origins of the Name Nikolai

Nikolai is a popular name in Slavic cultures, originating from the Russian name Nikolay. It is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which means “victory of the people.” The name became popular in Russia in the 19th century and was also used in other Slavic countries, such as Bulgaria, Serbia, and Ukraine.

The name Nikolai has its roots in Greek mythology, where it was associated with the god of victory, Nike. The name Nikolaos was borne by several saints, including Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of sailors, who was known for his kindness and miracles.

Popularity of the Name Nikolai

Nikolai remains a popular name today, especially in Slavic countries. In Russia, it was among the top 20 most popular names for boys in the 20th century and continues to be a popular choice today. The name has also gained popularity in other countries, including Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Final Thoughts on the Name Nikolai

Overall, Nikolai is a classic and timeless name that has a rich history, origin, and meaning. Whether it is chosen for its association with success, leadership, or kindness, it is sure to be a well-loved name for generations to come.

Infographic of Nikolai name meaning, which is people of victory
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Nikolai Name Popularity

How popular is the name Nikolai? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 — 0 0%
1911 — 0 0%
1912 — 0 0%
1913 — 0 0%
1914 — 0 0%
1915 — 0 0%
1916 — 0 0%
1917 — 0 0%
1918 — 0 0%
1919 — 0 0%
1920 — 0 0%
1921 — 0 0%
1922 — 0 0%
1923 — 0 0%
1924 — 0 0%
1925 — 0 0%
1926 — 0 0%
1927 — 0 0%
1928 — 0 0%
1929 — 0 0%
1930 — 0 0%
1931 — 0 0%
1932 — 0 0%
1933 — 0 0%
1934 — 0 0%
1935 — 0 0%
1936 — 0 0%
1937 — 0 0%
1938 — 0 0%
1939 — 0 0%
1940 — 0 0%
1941 — 0 0%
1942 — 0 0%
1943 — 0 0%
1944 — 0 0%
1945 — 0 0%
1946 — 0 0%
1947 — 0 0%
1948 — 0 0%
1949 — 0 0%
1950 — 0 0%
1951 — 0 0%
1952 — 0 0%
1953 — 0 0%
1954 — 0 0%
1955 — 0 0%
1956 — 0 0%
1957 — 0 0%
1958 — 0 0%
1959 — 0 0%
1960 — 0 0%
1961 — 0 0%
1962 — 0 0%
1963 — 0 0%
1964 — 0 0%
1965 — 0 0%
1966 — 0 0%
1967 — 0 0%
1968 — 0 0%
1969 — 0 0%
1970 — 0 0%
1971 — 0 0%
1972 — 0 0%
1973 — 0 0%
1974 — 0 0%
1975 1,519 8 0.0006%
1976 — 0 0%
1977 1,849 5 0.0004%
1978 — 0 0%
1979 1,913 5 0.0004%
1980 1,875 6 0.0004%
1981 — 0 0%
1982 1,877 6 0.0004%
1983 2,003 5 0.0003%
1984 1,637 10 0.0007%
1985 1,499 15 0.001%
1986 — 0 0%
1987 2,004 6 0.0004%
1988 — 0 0%
1989 1,745 13 0.0008%
1990 1,600 19 0.0011%
1991 1,453 25 0.0015%
1992 1,670 19 0.0012%
1993 1,426 28 0.0018%
1994 1,523 25 0.0016%
1995 1,448 28 0.0019%
1996 1,315 39 0.0026%
1997 1,544 26 0.0018%
1998 1,252 47 0.0031%
1999 1,304 44 0.0029%
2000 1,643 26 0.0017%
2001 1,183 65 0.0043%
2002 1,201 68 0.0045%
2003 1,262 62 0.0041%
2004 1,106 91 0.006%
2005 1,014 113 0.0074%
2006 1,111 102 0.0065%
2007 960 149 0.0094%
2008 915 168 0.0109%
2009 753 256 0.0171%
2010 740 251 0.0174%
2011 631 324 0.0227%
2012 602 362 0.0254%
2013 583 387 0.0272%
2014 546 457 0.0314%
2015 465 599 0.0412%
2016 471 608 0.0422%
2017 497 533 0.0382%
2018 466 577 0.042%
2019 511 499 0.0369%
2020 543 468 0.0368%
2021 480 579 0.0474%
2022 592 440 0.0334%

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Arizona (AZ)

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Colorado (CO)

Connecticut (CT)

Florida (FL)

Georgia (GA)

Hawaii (HI)

Iowa (IA)

Idaho (ID)

Illinois (IL)

Indiana (IN)

Kansas (KS)

Kentucky (KY)

Louisiana (LA)

Massachusetts (MA)

Maryland (MD)

Maine (ME)

Michigan (MI)

Minnesota (MN)

Missouri (MO)

Mississippi (MS)

North Carolina (NC)

New Jersey (NJ)

New Mexico (NM)

Nevada (NV)

New York (NY)

Ohio (OH)

Oklahoma (OK)

Oregon (OR)

Pennsylvania (PA)

South Carolina (SC)

South Dakota (SD)

Tennessee (TN)

Texas (TX)

Utah (UT)

Virginia (VA)

Washington (WA)

Wisconsin (WI)

West Virginia (WV)

Data via SSA.gov.

Names Like Nikolai

If you like Nikolai, you’ll love these other names like Nikolai.

What names sound like Nikolai?

If you like how Nikolai sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Nikolai.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Nicolai

People of victory

Greek

Nikolay

People of victory

Greek

What names are similar to Nikolai?

Find a name that’s like Nikolai, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Nicholai

People of victory

Greek

Nickolas

People of victory

Greek

Nicola

People of victory

Greek

Nicolao

People of victory

Greek

Nicolas

Victory of the people

Greek

Nicolay

People of victory

Greek

Nicoli

People of victory

Greek

Nikkolas

People of victory

Greek

Nikkolay

People of victory

Greek

Niklas

People of victory

Greek

Nikolas

People of victory

Greek

Nikolaus

People of victory

Greek

Nikolos

People of victory

Greek

Lists With Nikolai

Find inspiration in these baby boy name lists featuring the name Nikolai.

Siblings of Nikolai

Mamas with kids named Nikolai also have kids with these names.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Jasmine

Jasmine flower

Persian

Vincent

Conquer

Latin

1 Comment

  1. I couldn’t pick a name I liked for almost my whole pregnancy. I had a dream twice about a tiny baby boy whose name was Nikolai. I decided after the second time I had this same dream it was a name I needed to consider. I loved the different spelling of it making it a unique name. Ultimately we decided it was no coincidence and chose Nikolai to be his name.

    Reply

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