Declining since 2008, #2,833 for boys today.
Popularity of Nikhil since 1971
Babies named Nikhil per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 111 |
| 1980s | 426 |
| 1990s | 1,073 |
| 2000s | 2,141 |
| 2010s | 1,320 |
| 2020s | 333 |
Meaning & origin
Nikhil is a Sanskrit name meaning 'entire, whole, perfect,' which has been consistently used in the United States since its first recorded appearance in 1971. Its peak popularity occurred in 2007, after which its usage has gradually declined, though it remains a meaningful choice for families. In 2025, it ranked 2,833, occurring in about 1 in 38,820 births, with the highest concentrations in New York and California.
Nikhil is a Sanskrit name derived from the word 'nikhila,' meaning 'entire,' 'whole,' or 'perfect.' It has long been used in India and among the Hindu diaspora, often chosen for its auspicious and comprehensive meaning.
Where Nikhil 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nik, Niki
Variants: Nikhila
Sibling names for Nikhil
Names that share Nikhil's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ananya, Ishita, Kavya, Neha, Priya, Anjali, Rani, Aanya, Anisha, Chanda, Krisha, Leela, Meena, Meera, Navya, Shanti, Shivani, Sonali, Aavya, Aneesha, Devani, Iniya, Kimaya, Meghna, Nirvi, Pria, Radhika, Risha, Rishika, Sejal, Shalini, Siyona, Sruthi, Teja, Tulsi, Vidya, Lavanya, Navneet, Netra, Nikitha, Ramani, Shefali, Shravya, Smriti, Supriya, Surina, Tejal, Trishika, Yashna, Anupama, Ditya, Harshitha, Shakya, Solai, Aarthi, Athira, Avisha, Chandrika, Deepti, Harika, Kanitra, Kayal, Krishika, Kriya, Kushi, Mitali, Navina, Rashika, Rashmi, Samyukta, Sathvika, Sreeja, Sumedha, Svara, Tamasha, Vinaya
Brothers: Arjun, Rohan, Vikram, Aarav, Dhruv, Jai, Kiran, Amit, Ishan, Mihir, Ankit, Arjan, Avik, Kavi, Kedar, Rohin, Sathvik, Shalin, Tanush, Tarun, Vinay, Anurag, Bhavin, Darshan, Kavir, Ketan, Krithik, Mehul, Shaunak, Vineet, Aashish, Akaash, Aksh, Kethan, Mathan, Rajat, Rithwik, Sahith, Sanjith, Suhaas, Vedh
