Nikolai Boy
Origin(s)
Pronunciationnee-koh-LIE / niː.kəˈlaɪSlavic; Greek
Meaning
Victory of the people (Slavic); people's victory (Greek)
Historical & Cultural Background
Nikolai is a variant of the name Nicholas, which has roots in both Greek and Slavic cultures. It has been a popular name in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia. The name has been borne by numerous saints and historical figures, contributing to its widespread use. Nikolai is often associated with nobility and leadership due to its meaning.
Trend Summary
Nikolai has seen a steady interest in the United States, particularly among parents seeking unique yet traditional names.
Similar Names
Variants
- Nikolay
- Niko
- Kolya
International Variants
- Nicolás (Spanish)
- Nicolas (French)
- Nicola (Italian)
- Nikolaj (Danish)
- Nikolay (Bulgarian)
Famous people named Nikolai
Nikolai Gogol was a Russian writer known for his influential works in literature, including 'Dead Souls' and 'The Overcoat'.
Nikolai Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor and electrical engineer, recognized for his contributions to the development of alternating current electricity.
Nikolai II was the last Emperor of Russia, ruling from 1894 until his abdication in 1917 during the Russian Revolution.
Nikolai Khabibulin is a former Russian professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the NHL and won the Stanley Cup.
Fictional characters named Nikolai
Nikolai is a character in the video game series 'Metro', serving as a guide and ally to the protagonist.
Nikolai is a character in the novel 'The Brothers Karamazov' by Fyodor Dostoevsky, representing complex moral dilemmas.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Nikolai was first seen in the United States in 1960. Nikolai has ranked as high as #824 nationally, which occurred in 2016, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Nikolai has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Nikolai (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 78 | |
| TX | 47 | |
| FL | 39 | |
| NY | 28 | |
| OH | 16 | |
| PA | 16 | |
| IL | 15 | |
| NC | 15 | |
| AZ | 12 | |
| MI | 11 | |
| GA | 11 | |
| TN | 11 | |
| AL | 10 | |
| OK | 10 | |
| WA | 10 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 6 |
| 1961 | 5 |
| 1962 | 5 |
| 1964 | 8 |
| 1965 | 8 |
| 1966 | 5 |
| 1969 | 15 |
| 1970 | 10 |
| 1971 | 12 |
| 1972 | 16 |
| 1973 | 12 |
| 1974 | 21 |
| 1975 | 31 |
| 1976 | 32 |
| 1977 | 24 |
| 1978 | 16 |
| 1979 | 28 |
| 1980 | 26 |
| 1981 | 24 |
| 1982 | 21 |
| 1983 | 18 |
| 1984 | 27 |
| 1985 | 32 |
| 1986 | 29 |
| 1987 | 31 |
| 1988 | 36 |
| 1989 | 45 |
| 1990 | 52 |
| 1991 | 65 |
| 1992 | 62 |
| 1993 | 63 |
| 1994 | 76 |
| 1995 | 68 |
| 1996 | 82 |
| 1997 | 76 |
| 1998 | 94 |
| 1999 | 95 |
| 2000 | 80 |
| 2001 | 108 |
| 2002 | 116 |
| 2003 | 124 |
| 2004 | 141 |
| 2005 | 162 |
| 2006 | 163 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 231 |
| 2009 | 299 |
| 2010 | 313 |
| 2011 | 365 |
| 2012 | 421 |
| 2013 | 436 |
| 2014 | 516 |
| 2015 | 629 |
| 2016 | 639 |
| 2017 | 572 |
| 2018 | 614 |
| 2019 | 553 |
| 2020 | 520 |
| 2021 | 622 |
| 2022 | 490 |
| 2023 | 468 |
| 2024 | 484 |