Niki is a unisex name of Greek origin that means "victory of the people." It is derived from the Greek word "nikos," which signifies victory or triumph. The name has been used historically in various forms, such as Nikephoros and Nikolaos, both of which were popular among Byzantine emperors.
In recent times, Niki has gained popularity as a given name for both boys and girls. It is often chosen for its simplicity and versatility, as it can be spelled in various ways, including Nicki, Nikki, and Nikita. Despite its Greek roots, the name has been embraced by cultures worldwide due to its appealing sound and meaning.
One notable figure associated with the name Niki is Nikila, a character from Greek mythology who was a daughter of Apollo and the nymph Stilbe. According to legend, Nikila was a gifted musician and poet, reflecting the creative potential often associated with individuals named Niki.
In popular culture, several famous personalities bear this name, further contributing to its familiarity and appeal. These include the Swiss tennis player Roger Federer, whose full name is Rohrer Federer von Gunten, and the German Formula One racing driver Michael Schumacher, whose daughter's name is Gina-Maria Schumacher-Niki Lauda.
The name Niki saw its popularity peak between the late 40s and early 70s, with a significant rise from 1943 to 1972, reaching its highest point with 248 births in 1972. However, it has been on a steady decline since then, with only 17 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 7025 births with the name Niki from 1932 to 2023.