Declining since 2022, #1,315 for boys today.
Popularity of Nikko since 1972
Babies named Nikko per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 211 |
| 1990s | 1,062 |
| 2000s | 822 |
| 2010s | 1,386 |
| 2020s | 1,040 |
Meaning & origin
Nikko, a name that first appeared on U.S. records in 1972, is a modern spelling variant of Nico, itself a diminutive of Nicholas. Its popularity grew steadily, peaking at a rank of 1,315 in 2025, with about 1 in 11,620 boys receiving the name that year. Since 2022, its trajectory has been falling. The name is most common in Colorado, Indiana, and Washington. While its etymology is uncertain, it is widely understood as a creative respelling of Nico, fitting a trend of modernized short forms.
Nikko is likely a modern English respelling of Nico, a short form of Nicholas. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1972 and gained modest popularity, peaking in 2021. The name is also a Japanese place name, but its use as a given name in the U.S. is primarily seen as a creative spelling of Nico.
Where Nikko is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nik, Ko
Sibling names for Nikko
Names that share Nikko's style, for a brother or sister.
