Nikos is a Greek masculine given name derived from the Greek name Nikolaos. The name Nikolaos comes from the Greek elements 'nīkō', meaning victory, and 'lāōs', meaning people or mankind.
The name Nikos was originally used by early Christians in Greece as an abbreviation of Saint Nikolaos, who was a bishop of Myra during the 4th century AD. He is considered to be one of the most revered saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and he became known for his generosity and kindness towards children.
Over time, the name Nikos gained popularity beyond its religious origins and became widely used as a given name throughout Greece. It is now considered one of the most popular names in Greece, ranking consistently among the top ten names for boys born each year.
In terms of pronunciation, Nikos is pronounced /'nikos/. The name can also have variant spellings such as Niko or Nikolas.
Overall, the name Nikos has a rich history rooted in Greek culture and religion, with a meaning that signifies victory over mankind. It has since evolved into a popular given name that continues to be widely used throughout Greece today.
The name Nikos has seen a varied but consistent presence among newborns in the United States from 1962 to 2023, with a total of 854 births recorded during this period.
Between 1962 and 1976, the number of babies named Nikos ranged between 5 and 14 each year. There was a notable increase in popularity starting from 1977, with 12 births that year. This trend continued into the early 1980s, reaching a peak of 20 births in 1988.
The 1990s saw fluctuations in the number of newborns named Nikos, but there were several years with double-digit figures, including 18 births in both 1991 and 1994. The turn of the century brought a dip in popularity, with only 10 births recorded in 2001.
However, since then, the name Nikos has seen a resurgence in popularity among American parents. From 2004 onwards, there have been double-digit numbers of babies named Nikos each year, with some years reaching over 25 births. The most recent data available shows that in 2023, there were 10 recorded births for the name Nikos.
This statistical analysis demonstrates a steady and consistent presence of the name Nikos among newborns in the United States since the 1960s. While popularity has fluctuated over time, it is clear that this name remains a popular choice among American parents.