Declining since 1987, #4,460 for girls today.
Popularity of Nikita since 1949
Babies named Nikita per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 5 | 0 |
| 1950s | 83 | 19 |
| 1960s | 318 | 169 |
| 1970s | 1,447 | 122 |
| 1980s | 3,343 | 203 |
| 1990s | 2,952 | 372 |
| 2000s | 1,507 | 850 |
| 2010s | 886 | 842 |
| 2020s | 237 | 313 |
Meaning & origin
Nikita is a unisex name with a rich cross-cultural history. In Russia, it has been a classic boy's name since the medieval period, derived from the Greek Niketas meaning 'victor.' It gained international attention in the late 20th century, particularly after the 1990 TV series 'La Femme Nikita' boosted its popularity for girls. In the United States, Nikita first appeared on the Social Security list in 1949 and experienced a notable peak in 1986. Since 1987, its usage has been declining. In 2025, the name ranked 4460th, with a 1-in-51847 chance of being chosen for a baby. Despite the downturn, Nikita remains a distinctive choice that bridges Slavic tradition and modern global appeal. Its spelling and pronunciation are straightforward, and it offers common nicknames like Nika or Kita.
Nikita originated as a Russian given name, likely from the Greek name Niketas (Νικήτας) meaning 'victor,' derived from 'nike' (victory). It has been used in Russia since medieval times, borne by saints and nobility. In the West, it gained popularity for both boys and girls after the 1990s, notably through the TV series 'La Femme Nikita.'
Where Nikita is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nikita” around the world
Where Nikita lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nika, Kita, Nikki
Variants: Niketas, Nicetas
Sibling names for Nikita
Names that share Nikita's style, for a brother or sister.
