boyDanish

Nicolai: Meaning & Origin

Nicolai is a boy's name of Danish origin meaning “Derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people'. Nicolai has a long-standing presence in Danish history..” It has 3 syllables, giving it an elegant, melodic rhythm. Common nicknames include Nico, Nicol. As of 2026, Nicolai ranks #872 among boys' names in the United States and has held a steady level of popularity. Its highest US ranking was #649 in 1974.

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Pronunciation

NIK-oh-lie

Phonetic spelling

Popularity

67/100 Score

Currently #872 among US baby names.

Nicknames

NicoNicol

Popularity Trend

0%
100
2020
100
2024
#872
US Rank

* Based on US Social Security Administration birth-registration data

Middle Name Ideas

  • Nicolai Sebastian
  • Nicolai Jonas
  • Nicolai Victor

Famous Namesakes

  • Nicolai Munch-Hansen (artist)
  • Nicolai Tangen (businessman)

Variants & Alternate Spellings of Nicolai

Frequently Asked Questions About Nicolai

What does the name Nicolai mean?

Nicolai means “Derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people'. Nicolai has a long-standing presence in Danish history..” It is a boy's name of Danish origin.

How do you pronounce Nicolai?

Nicolai is pronounced NIK-oh-lie.

Is Nicolai a boy or girl name?

Nicolai is most commonly used as a boy's name.

How popular is the name Nicolai?

Nicolai currently ranks #872 among boys' names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Nicolai?

Popular nicknames for Nicolai include Nico, Nicol.

What are good middle names for Nicolai?

Middle names that pair well with Nicolai include Nicolai Sebastian, Nicolai Jonas, Nicolai Victor.

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