Find out how popular the first name Niki has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Niki by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Niki is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 97% of people named Niki being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 17 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Niki.

The history of the first name Niki

The name Niki has its origins in the Greek language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Greek word "nikē," meaning "victory" or "conquest." The name was initially bestowed upon children, particularly boys, as a symbol of strength, triumph, and success.

In ancient Greek mythology, Nike was the winged goddess of victory, often depicted alongside Zeus, the king of the gods. Her name was invoked in prayers and celebrations of military victories and athletic triumphs, reflecting the Greeks' reverence for excellence and achievement.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Niki can be found in the writings of the Greek historian Herodotus, who lived in the 5th century BCE. He mentioned a Spartan warrior named Niki who fought valiantly in the Greco-Persian Wars.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Niki. One of the most famous was Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002), a French-American artist renowned for her larger-than-life sculptural works and her contributions to the Nouveau Réalisme movement.

Another prominent figure was Niki Lauda (1949-2019), an Austrian Formula One racing driver and aviation entrepreneur. He was a three-time F1 World Drivers' Champion and is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the sport's history.

In the world of sports, Niki Terpstra (born 1984) is a Dutch professional cyclist who won the prestigious Tour of Flanders in 2018 and the Paris-Roubaix in 2014.

Niki de Gunzburg (1904-1976) was a French socialite and fashion icon known for her influential style and her connections within the Parisian high society of the mid-20th century.

Niki Caro (born 1967) is a New Zealand film director and screenwriter, best known for directing the critically acclaimed films "Whale Rider" (2002) and "Mulan" (2020), the live-action remake of the Disney animated classic.

The name Niki has endured through the centuries, carrying with it the connotations of victory, strength, and triumph that were so valued in ancient Greek culture. Its rich history and evocative meaning have made it a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a strong and inspiring legacy.

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

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

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