The name Nikita is of Russian origin, derived from the Greek name Niketas, which itself comes from the word "niketes" meaning "victor" or "conqueror". This name gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Russia and other Eastern European countries that followed the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Nikita can be found in the Byzantine Empire, where it was borne by several notable figures, including Niketas Ooryphas, a renowned military commander in the 11th century. In Russia, the name Nikita became widespread after the adoption of Christianity in the late 10th century.

Throughout Russian history, several prominent individuals have borne this name. One of the most famous was Nikita Ivanovich Panin (1718-1783), a highly influential statesman and diplomat during the reign of Catherine the Great. Another notable figure was Nikita Khrushchev (1894-1971), the former leader of the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1964, known for his policy of de-Stalinization and his role in the Cuban Missile Crisis.

In the realm of literature, the name Nikita is associated with the Russian writer Nikita Vyshnegradsky (1920-1998), whose works explored themes of spirituality and existentialism. In the world of sports, Nikita Kucherov (born 1993) is a prominent Russian professional ice hockey player who currently plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League (NHL).

The name Nikita has also been borne by several notable figures in the arts, such as Nikita Mikhalkov (born 1945), a renowned Russian filmmaker and actor who has won numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1995 for his movie "Burnt by the Sun".

While the name Nikita has its roots in Eastern Orthodox Christian traditions, it has transcended cultural boundaries and gained popularity in various parts of the world, particularly in countries with significant Russian or Eastern European communities.