William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Nikhil
BoySanskrit· “whole, complete”
- Meaning
- whole, complete
- Origin
- Sanskrit
- Pronunciation
- NIK-il
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,869
- US babies 2025
- 44
- Best rank
- #813 (1999)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Nikhil
Nikhil is a Sanskrit name that means “whole, complete”.
From Sanskrit, Nikhil means 'whole', 'complete' or 'entire'. It is widely used in India and among the Indian diaspora and suggests a sense of completeness. The name has a crisp, clear sound that is easy for English speakers, with the stress on the first syllable. Nikhil feels modern and educated, and it stands comfortably in multicultural settings. Nik and Nikku are common nicknames, making it adaptable for different contexts. It pairs well with both Indian and English middle names.
Popularity over time
Nikhil first appears in US Social Security records in 1971. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 13 different years, starting in 1997. Its best national rank was #813 in 1999, and the most babies received it in 2007, when 261 were named Nikhil. In 2025, 44 babies were named Nikhil, and it ranked #2,869 nationally. That is 64% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,263 in 1980, #867 in 2000, #1,016 in 2010, and #2,869 in 2025. Of the 5,404 US boys named Nikhil since records began, 40% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,320 babies. Since 2010, 1,653 more have been named Nikhil.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Carmine, Cristofer, Antony, Nathen, and Jovanny.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nikhil ranked highest in California and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #1783 | 9 |
| New York | #1966 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Nikhil is usually pronounced NIK-il, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with N and ends in “-il”.
Middle names for Nikhil
A few middle names that flow with Nikhil: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nikhil
Similar names
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Lists that include Nikhil
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nikhil mean?
Nikhil is a Sanskrit name that means “whole, complete”.
What is the origin of the name Nikhil?
Nikhil has Sanskrit roots. From Sanskrit, Nikhil means 'whole', 'complete' or 'entire'.
Is Nikhil a popular name?
Not especially. Nikhil ranked #2,869 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Nikhil a boy or girl name?
Nikhil is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Nikhil?
Nikhil is usually pronounced NIK-il. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings