Find out how popular the first name Nikan has been for the last 16 years (from 2008 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nikan by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Nikan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nikan.

The history of the first name Nikan

The name Nikan has its origins in the Persian language and culture, tracing back to ancient times. It is derived from the Old Persian word "nikan," meaning "good" or "virtuous." This name is closely associated with the Zoroastrian religion and can be found in various ancient Persian texts and inscriptions.

During the Achaemenid Empire, which ruled over a vast territory from around 550 BCE to 330 BCE, the name Nikan was relatively common among the Persian nobility and upper class. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name can be found in the Behistun Inscription, a multilingual inscription carved on a rock face in present-day Iran, commissioned by the Achaemenid King Darius the Great (550-486 BCE).

In the Avestan scriptures, which are the central religious texts of Zoroastrianism, there are references to individuals bearing the name Nikan or its variations. For example, in the Yasna, one of the principal liturgical texts, there is mention of a character named Nika-Vakhsh, which translates to "Good Speech" or "Virtuous Speech."

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nikan. One of the most prominent figures was Nikan ibn al-Munajjim (born around 915 CE), a renowned Persian astronomer and mathematician who made significant contributions to the development of astronomical tables and the study of celestial mechanics.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Nikan Dastpili (born around 1385 CE), a Persian poet and mystic who wrote extensively on spiritual themes and is considered one of the pioneers of the mystical poetry genre in Persian literature.

In the realm of music, Nikan Khosravi (born in 1933) was a celebrated Iranian singer and composer who played a significant role in preserving and promoting traditional Persian music. He was awarded the prestigious Kowkab Honar (Star of Art) award for his contributions to the art form.

During the Sassanid Empire, which ruled over ancient Persia from 224 CE to 651 CE, the name Nikan was also found among members of the royal family. One such example is Nikan Khusraw (born around 550 CE), a Sassanid prince and military commander who played a crucial role in the defense of the empire against invading forces.

Another historical figure worth mentioning is Nikan Farhad (born in the 9th century CE), a renowned Persian architect and engineer who is credited with the construction of several remarkable bridges, caravanserais, and other architectural marvels during the Abbasid Caliphate.

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 Nikan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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