Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Niko

Niko is the Slavic and Finnish short form of Nicholas. The name Nicholas is the anglicized spelling of the Greek name “Nikolaos” which is derived from “nikē” (victory) and “laos” (people). Nicholas came into regular usage in the later Middle Ages owing to the growing cult and popularity of St. Nicholas (who lived during the 3rd and 4th centuries in modern day Turkey). St. Nicholas was known for his secretly anonymous gift-giving and thus became the inspiration behind the Christmas tradition of Santa Claus (it was the Dutch who developed the concept of “Sinterklaas” in the 19th century). Yet centuries before the creation of St. Nick as Santa Claus, the real St. Nicholas was greatly revered among Catholics and Eastern Orthodox alike (which is why this name has enjoyed widespread international appeal). He is known as the patron saint of children (aptly so). Among the Greeks and Italians, St. Nicholas is also considered the patron saint of sailors and was often revered as a Christianized version of the sea god Poseidon from Greek mythology. Many miracles were attributed to St. Nicholas so it’s no wonder that the name became a favorite of many Christian cultures throughout the Western World. Nicholas remains a hugely popular name among English speakers, but it has also produced several other variations in other languages, as well as many diminutives including Nick, Claus, Klaas, Nils, Niko and Nico (some examples). Niko is currently a Top 25 favorite boy’s name in Croatia and a Top 100 in Slovenia.

All About the Baby Name – Niko

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME NIKO

The Master Number Twenty-Two combines the traits of Twos and Fours into a powerful force. The references to The Master Builder and "large undertakings" serve to underscore the massive potential of this personality. They are extremely capable and therefore almost always successful. Twenty-Twos are courageous leaders, innovative thinkers, extremely wise and highly organized. As such, they are able to manifest something of major importance that will have a lasting impact on this world. Master Numbers carry with them a great sense of responsibility, so it can be a burden. However, Twenty-Twos are executors and action-takers. Further, this personality exhibits traits of the Twos, which brings sensitivity, spirituality and harmony, so their endeavors are likely to benefit mankind in some capacity.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME NIKO

Niko first appeared on the American male naming charts in 1989 and he’s been struggling to stay on there ever since. Clearly Niko with a “k” is playing second fiddle to Nico with a “c” and appears to be riding Nico’s wave of popularity (just to a lesser extent). Niko is doing better in a past couple of years but still well beneath the usage of Nico. American parents often swap the “c” for a “k”, and we often think of the “K” as more Eastern and/or Northern European with the “C” being more commonplace among Western Europeans and English speakers. For instance Karl vs. Carl. So Niko with a “K” looks much more Scandinavian or Slavic while Nico feels more Spanish and Italian. We also think the “k” just gives name a certain tougher edge.

Quick Facts

ON NIKO

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Slavic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

588

PRONUNCIATION:

NEE-ko

SIMPLE MEANING:

People of victory

Characteristics

OF NIKO

The Master Builder

Leader

Large Undertakings

Confidence

Discipline

Organization

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Niko

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME NIKO

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Niko

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME NIKO

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Niko


Popular Songs

ON NIKO

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Niko


Famous People

NAMED NIKO

Niko Kapanen (American hockey player)
Nicholas "Niko" Dimitrakos (Finnish hockey player)
Niko Koutouvides (football player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED NIKO

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Niko

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME NIKO

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Niko