Rising since 1986, #174 for boys today.
Popularity of Nico since 1960
Babies named Nico per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 52 |
| 1970s | 134 |
| 1980s | 509 |
| 1990s | 2,107 |
| 2000s | 2,932 |
| 2010s | 6,462 |
| 2020s | 9,098 |
Meaning & origin
Nico entered the U.S. top 1000 in 1960 and has been on a steady climb, reaching its peak rank of 174 in 2025. Currently, 1 in 827 boys receives the name, reflecting its growing appeal. The name's trajectory has been rising since 1986, and it is especially popular in the District of Columbia, Vermont, and Rhode Island. Nico's modern sound and Italian flair contribute to its enduring popularity without feeling dated, making it a frequent choice for parents seeking a short, vibrant name.
Nico is a short form of Nicola, the Italian masculine form of Nicholas, which derives from the Greek name Nikolaos, composed of nike 'victory' and laos 'people'. Historically popular in Italy, it has spread internationally as a standalone given name. In the United States, it gained modern traction from the 1960s onward.
Where Nico is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nico” around the world
Where Nico lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
10
babies in 2025
New Zealand
#80
in 2025
Quebec
31
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Nico
Names that share Nico's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mia, Lena, Ava, Sienna, Olivia, Alexi, Amairani, Bela, Coco, Corina, Gia, Lita, Miki, Mona, Nita, Roma, Bianka, Chi, Kina, Melena, Milania, Naida, Naudia, Neena, Neida, Nivea, Reena, Ricci, Sabella, Taina, Taniya, Tisa, Vanna, Velia, Zina, Zoya, Alegra, Alla, Anina, Anjuli, Annya, Arina, Ciji, Jara, Jojo, Kiki, Lanya, Ligia, Lira, Maritsa, Mera, Mikka, Mio, Myrka, Nija, Nikka, Nivia, Noni, Norita, Nyana, Persia, Rossi, Solei, Soleia, Tinia, Adri, Anaeli, Aneli, Anelia, Anu, Chia, Cuca, Dali, Desa, Drina, Fina, Fiora, Janova, Katreena, Keni, Kyani, Milanni, Milia, Monita, Montina, Neeka, Neeva, Nema, Nica, Nikea, Norina, Nyeli, Onica, Onna, Roniya, Trini, Vita, Yalena, Yani, Pama, Vielka, Aiyannah, Alyrica, Aneri, Annina, Arita, Bona, Calisa, Chamika, Charda, Cova, Delita, Dolce, Emara, Guila, Iria, Kassiani, Katiya, Kida, Lien, Naleia, Navani, Naylin, Neiva, Nera, Nevia, Nyaja, Ourania, Prima, Quita, Rasa, Sanda, Senya, Soni, Sosha, Stela, Tanee, Thula, Vana, Xiadani, Zanita, Zeni
Brothers: Luca, Enzo, Mateo, Leo, Theo, Luka, Matteo, Rio, Thiago, Arion, Aris, Brando, Gio, Jionni, Lev, Maceo, Nery, Ricco, Rito, Sacha, Teo, Tino, Demoni, Giani, Lando, Manu, Marico, Miklo, Neeko, Neiko, Neri, Primo, Reco, Xian, Ziaire, Costa, Deo, Derico, Jeno, Khairo, Leonides, Liangelo, Macari, Mayco, Nain, Nyair, Nyyear, Romani, Romir, Tiki, Tonio, Emilo, Enzi, Bento, Chino, Ekko, Enzio, Karmine, Larico, Lui, Macio, Mando, Mareo, Michi, Mico, Neco, Yian
Names like Nico
Names whose popularity has moved with Nico's over the last 50 years.
