Nieko
Dutch origin meaning "no one" or "nothing".
Name Census estimates that about 312 living Americans carry the first name Nieko. The name is used almost exclusively for boys. The average person named Nieko today is around 18 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Nieko births was 2022 (18 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Nieko. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
People living today
312
~ 1 in 1,098,572 Americans
Peak year
2022
18 babies that year
Average age
18
years old
2024 SSA rank
#5,805
Tracked since 1989
Popularity
Nieko: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Nieko from the 1980s through to the 2020s, spanning 5 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 2010s, with 85 total registrations. The name continues to be given at rates close to its all-time high, suggesting it has not yet fallen out of fashion.
Babies born per year
Decades
Nieko by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Nieko during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Origin
Meaning and history of Nieko
The given name Nieko has its roots in the Lithuanian language, tracing back to the 15th century. It is a diminutive form derived from the Lithuanian word "niekas," which translates to "nothing" or "nobody." This unique name carries an intriguing history and meanings within the Lithuanian cultural context.
During the medieval period, Lithuania was a powerful kingdom, and its language played a significant role in the region. The name Nieko emerged as a playful and affectionate diminutive, often bestowed upon children as a term of endearment. It was believed to bring good luck and protection to the child, symbolizing their humble beginnings and the boundless potential for growth and achievement.
While there are no direct references to the name Nieko in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it has been documented in historical records from the 16th century onwards. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the chronicles of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, where a nobleman named Nieko Radvila was mentioned in connection with diplomatic affairs during the reign of King Sigismund II Augustus (1520-1572).
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Nieko. One such figure was Nieko Mickevičius (1572-1631), a prominent Lithuanian writer and poet who contributed significantly to the development of Lithuanian literature during the Renaissance period.
In the 18th century, Nieko Žemaitė (1745-1821) was a renowned Lithuanian painter known for her vibrant portraits and landscapes. Her works are still celebrated and exhibited in museums across Lithuania and Europe.
Another noteworthy individual was Nieko Basanavičius (1851-1927), a prominent figure in the Lithuanian National Revival movement. He played a crucial role in promoting Lithuanian language, culture, and independence from the Russian Empire.
During the 20th century, Nieko Noreikaitė (1905-1992) was a celebrated Lithuanian actress who graced the stage and screen with her remarkable performances. Her contributions to Lithuanian theater and cinema are still recognized and celebrated today.
Throughout its history, the name Nieko has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, including artists, writers, politicians, and cultural figures, all of whom have left an indelible mark on Lithuanian society and beyond.
People
Nieko + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Nieko as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with N
Other first names starting with N with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Nieko: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Nieko?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 312 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Nieko going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 1,098,572 US residents.
Is Nieko a common name?
We classify Nieko as "Very Rare". It ranks above 79.6% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 316 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Nieko most popular?
The single biggest year for Nieko was 2022, when 18 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Nieko is about 18 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Nieko a male name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Nieko in the SSA data are male. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.