Nikolai Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Nikolai has its roots in Slavic culture, derived from the Greek Nikolaos meaning 'victory of the people'. It evolved through various historical forms, reflecting a rich linguistic path. The name carries traits of strength and nobility, with no direct biblical relevance. Its popularity surged in Slavic regions after the 10th century, and it continues to be well-regarded today.
The name Nikolai is most popular in Nevada, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Nikolai has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Nikolai' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5438th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2401st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1658th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 955th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 533rd out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Nikolai' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Nikolai"
Pronunciation
/ˈniː.kə.laɪ/
Origin
Slavic
Etymology
The name Nikolai is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which means 'victory of the people'. It combines 'nikē', meaning 'victory', and 'laos', meaning 'people'.
Meaning
victory of the people
Language Evolution
Nikolaos (Ancient Greek), Nicolaus (Latin), Nicolai (Medieval Latin), Nikolai (Russian)
Historical Usage
Nikolai has been popular in Slavic countries, particularly in Russia, since the Christianization of the region in the 10th century, due in part to the veneration of Saint Nicholas.
Variants & Derivatives
Nicolas, Nicholas, Niko, Nikki
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Nikolai is perceived as a strong and classic name, often associated with intellectual and artistic individuals. It remains popular in various countries, especially in Eastern Europe.
Famous People
Nikolai Gogol, a famous Russian novelist and playwright., Nikolai Tesla, an inventor and electrical engineer., Nikolai II, the last Emperor of Russia.
Explore More Nikolai Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Nikolai"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Nikolai"
"Nikolai" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 5438th of 7552 | 24 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2401st of 10718 | 256 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1658th of 16616 | 731 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 955th of 24088 | 2,996 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 533rd of 23106 | 6,543 |
Regional Popularity of "Nikolai" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
63.82% 2223rd/3483 |
- |
44.68% 1807th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
55.28% 2037th/3685 |
43.31% 1938th/4475 |
42.66% 2216th/5194 |
20.37% 1287th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
20.97% 961st/4582 |
19.75% 1020th/5164 |
15.49% 1133rd/7313 |
10.32% 770th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
14.63% 583rd/3984 |
12.30% 552nd/4487 |
8.24% 562nd/6822 |
7.23% 454th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Nikolai" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Nikolai"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Nikolai" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.