How to say it
NI · ko
/ˈniː.koʊ/
Masculine
Niko
Victory of the people
What it means
A short form of Nikolaos (Nicholas), from the Greek nikē ('victory') plus laos ('people').
Niko is a short, energetic form of Nikolaos, the Greek source of Nicholas, combining nikē 'victory' with laos 'people.' It turns up across Greece, Finland, Germany, and Japan, and travels as the snappier cousin of Nico and Nicholas. The k spelling gives it a clean, modern edge. It pairs naturally with Leo and Enzo. Short and sporty all on its own.
Popularity over time
peaked at #287 in 2022, currently #325 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–present. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Spelling
Niko and Nico are the same short for Nicholas; the k reads a touch bolder.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Niko Bellic the protagonist of Grand Theft Auto IV
Spelling variants
- Nico
- Nikko
- Nicco