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

Popularity of Nikko by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 193 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nikko.

The history of the first name Nikko

The name Nikko is believed to have originated from Japan, derived from the Japanese word "nikko," which means "sunlight" or "sunshine." This name has been in use in Japan for centuries, often associated with the beautiful city of Nikko in the Tochigi Prefecture, known for its stunning shrines and temples.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nikko dates back to the 12th century, when a Buddhist monk named Nikko Shonin (1118-1193) founded the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.

In Japanese literature, the name Nikko appears in several historical texts and records. For instance, the "Nikko Mandara," a 16th-century painting depicting the city of Nikko, is a significant artistic representation of the name.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Nikko. One such individual was Nikko Niwano (1899-1999), a renowned Japanese Buddhist philosopher and the founder of the Rissho Kosei-kai, a lay Buddhist organization. Another prominent figure was Nikko Hoshi (1910-2002), a Japanese actor and director known for his work in Kabuki theater.

In the realm of sports, Nikko Jenkins (1991-present) is an American professional basketball player who has played in various leagues around the world, including the NBA G League and international teams in Japan and Australia.

Additionally, the name Nikko has been associated with various artistic and cultural endeavors. Nikko Munoz (1964-present) is an American painter and sculptor known for his vibrant and colorful works, while Nikko Hurtado (1979-present) is a renowned American tattoo artist renowned for his detailed and intricate designs.

It is worth noting that while the name Nikko is primarily associated with Japan, it has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well, often used as a unisex name or as a variant of the name Nicholas or Nicole in certain cultures.

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

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

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