MallowbyNames

Nixie

NIK-see · Water sprite

2025 rank (girls)
#5,410
Babies named in 2025
23
Peak popularity
2011
2025 frequency
1 in 69,881 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1998

Rising since 1998, #5,410 for girls today.

Popularity of Nixie since 1919

Babies named Nixie per year in U.S. Social Security records.

91928192019602000Most births 2011Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s6
1920s10
1930s0
1940s0
1950s0
1960s0
1970s0
1980s0
1990s5
2000s116
2010s204
2020s115

Meaning & origin

The name Nixie has had a modest but steady presence in American baby naming. First recorded in 1919, it remained obscure until a notable upward trajectory began in 1998, with a peak in 2011. As of 2025, it ranks 5410th, given to roughly 1 in 69881 girls. Like many mythological and nature-inspired names, Nixie appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible choice with a whimsical, aquatic heritage. Its German origin and association with water sprites lend it an ethereal quality, while the short, punchy sound and easy nickname "Nix" keep it grounded. Though not among the top states, its slow but consistent rise suggests a niche but enduring appeal in a landscape dominated by more common nature names.

Nixie derives from the Germanic nix (masculine) and nixe (feminine), referring to a water spirit or mermaid in folklore. The name entered English usage in the 19th century, popularized by Victorian interest in mythology and later adopted as a given name, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Nix

Variants: Nixe

Sibling names for Nixie

Names that share Nixie's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Wren, Faye, Elva, Maeve, Luna

Brothers: Finn, Jasper, Otis, Rory, Silas

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

N is for Nixie, our favorite little girl.

N is for Nixie…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Nixie's letter becomes Nixie's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Nixie's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does Nixie mean?
Nixie means "water sprite" and comes from Germanic folklore about a female water spirit.
How popular is Nixie?
As of 2025, Nixie ranked 5410th in the U.S., with about 1 in 69881 newborn girls given the name that year. Its popularity has been rising since 1998, peaking in 2011.
Is Nixie a boy or girl name?
Nixie is traditionally used for girls. It has not been recorded for boys in the data.