Declining since 2004, #717 for boys today.
Popularity of Nikolas since 1937
Babies named Nikolas per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 6 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 107 |
| 1970s | 502 |
| 1980s | 1,955 |
| 1990s | 5,946 |
| 2000s | 7,812 |
| 2010s | 5,133 |
| 2020s | 2,564 |
Meaning & origin
Nikolas is a classic Greek name meaning 'victory of the people,' a direct variant of Nicholas. First recorded in the U.S. in 1937, it reached its peak popularity in 2004, when it ranked much higher than its current position of 717 in 2025. The name fits a trajectory of falling usage since that peak year, but it remains a familiar choice in states like Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Arizona. With a rate of 1 in 4,555 boys, Nikolas offers a slightly more distinctive spelling of a timeless Western name, appealing to parents seeking tradition with a touch of individuality.
Nikolas is a Greek name derived from Nikolaos, composed of 'nike' (victory) and 'laos' (people). It is a variant spelling of Nicholas, which spread throughout the Christian world due to the fame of Saint Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop of Myra. The spelling with a 'k' is common in many European languages, including Greek, German, and Scandinavian traditions.
Where Nikolas 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.
“Nikolas” around the world
Where Nikolas lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Quebec
7
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Niko, Nikki, Kola, Nick
Sibling names for Nikolas
Names that share Nikolas's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Sophia, Elena, Olivia, Amelia, Isabella, Demetra, Larissa, Laryssa, Despina, Athanasia, Konstantina, Panagiota, Eleftheria
Brothers: Alexander, Lucas, Ethan, Sebastian, Matteo, Dimitrios, Vasilios, Evangelos, Loukas, Markos, Spiro, Angelos, Antonios, Symeon, Vasilis, Demitrios, Makarios, Maximos, Pantelis, Spyridon
Names like Nikolas
Names whose popularity has moved with Nikolas's over the last 50 years.
