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.
How to spell Niko
The standard spelling is Niko. Common variants include Nico, Nikko, Nicco, but Niko is the most widely used form.
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, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. 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
Names with the same feeling
See Niko from another angle
By meaning
Common questions
- What does the name Niko mean?
- A short form of Nikolaos (Nicholas), from the Greek nikē ('victory') plus laos ('people').
- What does Niko mean in Greek?
- In Greek, Niko means "Victory of the 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.
- Is Niko short for Nicholas?
- Yes. Niko is a short form of Nicholas, and it carries the same meaning, "Victory of the people." These days many parents use Niko as a given name in its own right, not only as a nickname.
- How do you pronounce Niko?
- Niko is pronounced ˈniː.koʊ. Say it as NI-ko, with the stress on the "ni" syllable.
- How do you spell Niko?
- The standard spelling is Niko. Common spelling variants include Nico, Nikko, Nicco.
- Is Niko a boy or girl name?
- Niko is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Niko?
- Niko ranked #325 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.