Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Nikki
GirlEnglish, Greek· “victory of the people (via Nicole)”
- Meaning
- victory of the people (via Nicole)
- Origin
- English, Greek
- Pronunciation
- NIK-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,504
- US babies 2025
- 44
- Best rank
- #173 (1972)
- Peak year
- 1972
Meaning and origin of Nikki
Nikki is an English and Greek name that means “victory of the people (via Nicole)”.
Nikki is a short form of Nicole or Nicola, feminine forms of Nicholas, from the Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people'. It became popular as an independent name in the later twentieth century and has a lively, friendly sound. Nikki can stand on its own or serve as a nickname for longer names. It has a retro, upbeat charm. Nicky and Niki are alternative spellings. Many parents choose Nicole or Nicola on the birth certificate and use Nikki every day, while others prefer the short form alone for its breezy simplicity.
Other spellings with the same sound: Nicky, Niki, Nicki, Nickey.
Popularity over time
Nikki first appears in US Social Security records in 1925. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 65 different years, starting in 1941. Its best national rank was #173 in 1972, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,704 babies. In 2025, 44 babies were named Nikki, and it ranked #3,504 nationally. That is 67% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #530 in 1950, #247 in 1980, #585 in 2000, #1,377 in 2010, and #3,504 in 2025. Of the 40,109 US girls named Nikki since records began, 27% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 10,402 babies. Since 2010, 1,534 more have been named Nikki.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Ginger, Catina, Gretchen, Staci, and Marcy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nikki ranked highest in California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #2433 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Nikki over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Nikki is usually pronounced NIK-ee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with N and ends in “-ki”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Nicky, Niki, Nicki, and Nickey.
Middle names for Nikki
A few middle names that flow with Nikki: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nikki
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Lists that include Nikki
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nikki mean?
Nikki is an English and Greek name that means “victory of the people (via Nicole)”.
What is the origin of the name Nikki?
Nikki has English and Greek roots. Nikki is a short form of Nicole or Nicola, feminine forms of Nicholas, from the Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people'.
Is Nikki a popular name?
Not especially. Nikki ranked #3,504 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Nikki a boy or girl name?
Nikki is mainly a girl's name. About 98% of US babies named Nikki over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Nikki?
Nikki is usually pronounced NIK-ee. 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