boy name · Slavic origin
Nikolai
/ nee-koh-LY /
Meaning
Nikolai means Victory of the people (Slavic).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Slavic
Pronunciation
nee-koh-LY
Popularity
#605 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Nikolai in the US, 1880–2025
Nikolai first appears in US records in 1960. It peaked in 2016, when 639 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 469.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Nikolai mean?
Nikolai is a Slavic form of Nicholas, “victory of the people.”
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nikolai mean?
Nikolai means Victory of the people. Nikolai is a Slavic form of Nicholas, “victory of the people.”
What is the origin of the name Nikolai?
Nikolai is of Slavic origin.
How do you pronounce Nikolai?
Nikolai is pronounced “nee-koh-LY.”
Is Nikolai a boy or a girl name?
Nikolai is most commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Nikolai?
In 2025, Nikolai ranked #605 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Nikolai most popular?
Nikolai was most popular in 2016, when about 639 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.