Niko is a name of Greek origin that means "victory". It is often used as a short form for the Greek name Nikolaos, which is composed of the elements "nike" meaning victory and "laos" meaning people. The name Niko is also found in other cultures with different meanings. In Finland, it is derived from the word "nikki" which means "diary", while in Japan, it can mean "knowledge" or "understanding". Throughout history, the name Niko has been used by individuals of various backgrounds and nationalities. It was particularly popular among early Christians who named their sons Nikolaos in honor of Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and kindness towards children. Today, Niko remains a unisex name that is widely recognized around the world.
The name Niko has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past few decades, with a total of 470 births recorded between 1968 and 2023. The popularity of the name has varied over time, with peaks and valleys in its usage.
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Niko was given to around 10-23 babies per year. However, between 1978 and 1989, the number of births with the name Niko dropped significantly, with only 5-6 births recorded each year.
The late 1990s saw a slight increase in the popularity of the name, with around 5-7 births per year. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with around 6-9 births per year between 2000 and 2006.
Between 2007 and 2016, the number of babies named Niko remained relatively stable, with around 7-16 births per year. However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of the name. Between 2017 and 2023, there were between 7 and 20 births recorded each year.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Niko has varied over time, it has remained a consistent choice for parents in the United States. Its recent resurgence in popularity suggests that it continues to be a beloved and enduring name option for families across the country.