Nicole
Nicole first appears in US records in 1937. It peaked in 1985, when 22,966 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 803.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Nicole popular?
Declining Nicole is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
| 2020s | 5,823 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 22,306 | |
| 2000s | 54,585 | |
| 1990s | 136,103 | |
| 1980s | 210,494 | |
| 1970s | 144,667 | |
| 1960s | 18,564 | |
| 1950s | 1,314 | |
| 1940s | 616 | |
| 1930s | 28 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Nicole mean?
Nicole is the French feminine of Nicholas, from the Greek “victory of the people” — nikē (“victory”) and laos (“people”).
Nicknames for Nicole
- Nikki
- Nic
- Cole
Variants & spellings
- Nicola
- Nichole
- Nicolle
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Nicole a boy or a girl name?
Nicole is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Nicole a popular name right now?
Nicole is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
How popular is the name Nicole?
In 2025, Nicole ranked #383 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Nicole most popular?
Nicole was most popular in 1985, when about 22,966 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Nicole?
Common nicknames for Nicole include Nikki, Nic, Cole.