Nikolai: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced NIK-oh-ly · 3 syllables
A transliteration of the Russian given name (Nikolaj), equivalent to Nicholas.
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- NIK-oh-ly
- US rank (2025)
- #605
- US babies a year
- about 513 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2010
- Style
- Modern, Literary
How popular is Nikolai?
Nikolai was the #605 name in the US in 2025, given to 469 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #605 |
| Ireland | #780 |
| Norway | #102 |
| Australia | #600 |
How old are people named Nikolai?
Half of US adults named Nikolai are older than 26; most are between 18 and 51. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Nikolai
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Nikolai have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
- Alexandru
- Gheorghe
- Sergiu
- Ion
- Constantin
- Henning
Names like Nikolai
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Nikolai
How do you pronounce Nikolai?
Nikolai is pronounced NIK-oh-ly.
How popular is the name Nikolai?
Nikolai was the #605 name in the US in 2025, given to 469 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
How old are people named Nikolai?
Half of US adults named Nikolai are older than 26. Most are between 18 and 51.