Find out how popular the first name Nicki has been for the last 49 years (from 1974 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nicki by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Nicki is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 97% of people named Nicki being female.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nicki.

The history of the first name Nicki

The name Nicki is a diminutive form of the name Nikolaus, which originated from the Greek name Nikolaos. Nikolaos is derived from the words "nikē" meaning "victory" and "laos" meaning "people." The name Nikolaos was first recorded in ancient Greece and rose to prominence during the Byzantine era.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Nicki was Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century Christian saint and Greek bishop of Myra, in modern-day Turkey. Saint Nicholas is the inspiration behind the legendary figure of Santa Claus and is widely celebrated in Western Christian cultures during the Christmas season.

In the Middle Ages, the name Nikolaus became popular across Europe, particularly in Germanic regions. Variations of the name, such as Nicki, emerged as diminutive forms. One notable bearer of the name was Nicki von Wyl, a 13th-century Swiss knight and military commander who fought in the Battle of Laupen in 1339.

During the Renaissance period, the name Nicki continued to be used across Europe. One famous bearer was Nicki de Lange, a 16th-century Dutch painter and engraver known for his landscape paintings and etchings of Dutch cityscapes.

In the 19th century, the name Nicki gained popularity in Russia, where it was used as a diminutive form of Nikolai. One notable figure was Nicki Rubinstein, a Russian-born pianist and composer who lived from 1835 to 1881 and is remembered for his virtuosic piano works.

Another historical figure with the name Nicki was Nicki Mahon, an Irish revolutionary who lived from 1857 to 1928. She was an active member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood and played a significant role in the Easter Rising of 1916, a pivotal event in the Irish struggle for independence.

These examples demonstrate the rich history and cultural significance of the name Nicki, which has been borne by individuals from various backgrounds and time periods, reflecting its enduring appeal and adaptability across different cultures and regions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Nicki was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Nicki, please contact us.

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