Nikolai
Nikolai is a boys' name of Russian origin meaning “victory of the people.” It ranked #605 in the United States in 2025. Nikolai is the Russian form of Nicholas, meaning 'victory of the people.'
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how do you pronounce Nikolai?
nih-koh-LYE
where does the name Nikolai come from?
The Russian Николай, related to Nikolaus, Niilo and Nicholas, from the Greek Nikolaos, victory of the people.
Saint Nicholas (Nikolai in Russian), the inspiration for Santa Claus, is one of the most venerated saints in Russian Orthodoxy. Two tsars bore the name, and it graces some of Russia's greatest literary figures.
how popular is this name?
Nikolai has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 19 years since 2007. It peaked at #473 in 2018, and ranked #605 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #605 |
| 2024 | #593 |
| 2023 | #602 |
| 2022 | #582 |
| 2021 | #480 |
| 2020 | #545 |
| 2019 | #514 |
| 2018 | #473 |
| 2017 | #507 |
| 2016 | #480 |
| 2010 | #732 |
| 2007 | #949 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Nikolai fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Nikolai?
- Nikolai Gogol (Russian-Ukrainian writer)
- Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (Russian composer)
- Tsar Nicholas II (Nikolai II)
what are the nicknames and variants of Nikolai?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Nikolai?
what names go well with Nikolai?
Sibling names that share Nikolai's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Nikolai
What does the name Nikolai mean?
Nikolai means “victory of the people”.
What is the origin of the name Nikolai?
Nikolai comes from the Russian naming tradition. Related forms include Nikolaus, Niilo and Nicholas.
How popular is the name Nikolai?
Nikolai ranked #605 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data.
Is Nikolai a boy or girl name?
Nikolai is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Nikolai?
Nikolai is pronounced nih-koh-LYE, with 3 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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