Nikita is a name of Russian origin, derived from the Slavic root "nik," which means "no" or "not." The full form of the name is Nikita Nikitich, where "Nikitich" is a patronymic suffix meaning "son of Nikita."
The name Nikita has been used historically among the Slavic peoples for centuries. One notable historical figure named Nikita was Saint Nikita, also known as Nikita of Karbavin, who was a Russian Orthodox saint and monk in the 14th century.
In Russia, Nikita is considered a male name, but it has gained popularity worldwide as a unisex name in recent years. It is often associated with strength, courage, and leadership due to its historical usage among notable figures like Saint Nikita.
Today, Nikita is a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their child. Its origins and history provide a rich cultural background that adds depth to the name's significance.
The name Nikita has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. In the early years from 1949 to 1968, the number of births with the name Nikita remained relatively low, fluctuating between 5 and 35 births per year.
However, beginning in 1969, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Nikita. The number of births rose from 35 in 1969 to an impressive 1034 births in 1986. This peak marked a significant moment in the history of the name Nikita's popularity.
After this peak, the number of births with the name Nikita started to decline gradually. Between 1987 and 2005, the annual births fluctuated between 454 and 115 births per year. There was another slight increase from 2006 to 2012, with the number of births ranging from 106 to 138 annually.
Since then, the popularity of the name Nikita has continued to decline steadily. Between 2013 and 2023, the annual births have ranged between 79 and 42. The most recent data for 2023 shows that there were 42 births with the name Nikita in the United States.
In total, from 1949 to 2023, there have been 10,711 births recorded with the name Nikita in the United States. This data provides an interesting insight into the changing trends of baby naming over time and the popularity of the name Nikita specifically.