MallowbyNames

Tiki

TEE-kee · Of uncertain origin; possibly derived from the Māori tiki, a carved talisman representing a human figure, or a diminutive of Tilda or Matilda.

Peak popularity
1975
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Tiki since 1960

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

1121321960198020002020Most births 1975GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1960s960
1970s2090
1980s460
1990s50
2000s023
2010s00
2020s00

Meaning & origin

The name Tiki is a rare and distinctive choice that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1960. It saw its peak usage in 1975, when it was given to 9 baby boys. The name's trajectory has been stable and at very low numbers ever since. Tiki is closely associated with the tiki culture movement of the mid-20th century, which popularized Polynesian-inspired art, music, and decor. Despite its cultural baggage, the name has never gained widespread usage and remains a unique option. No top states are recorded for Tiki, as its rarity means it has never reached significant concentration in any state.

Tiki emerged in the United States in the 1960s, coinciding with the post-World War II tiki culture trend inspired by Polynesian motifs. It may have been adopted as a given name directly from the carved figures, or as a diminutive of names like Tilda or Matilda. Use remains rare, with a peak in 1975.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Tike

Sibling names for Tiki

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

Sisters: Maya, Lani, Nala, Kai, Luna

Brothers: Koa, Mako, Nico, Kai, Zane

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

T is for Tiki, our favorite little boy.

T is for Tiki…”

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

Make Tiki's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Tiki mean?
The meaning is uncertain. It may derive from the Māori tiki, a carved talisman, or be a short form of Tilda or Matilda.
How popular is the name Tiki?
Tiki is very rare. It has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. Its peak year was 1975 when 9 boys were given the name.
Is Tiki a boy's name or a girl's name?
Tiki is predominantly used for boys in the U.S., but it could be unisex in theory.