Nikaya is of African origin, specifically from the Yoruba culture of Nigeria and Benin. It is a female given name that means "grace" or "beauty". The name is often associated with elegance and charm, reflecting its meaning in African culture. Nikaya is not particularly popular globally but it does have some presence in certain communities where African heritage is strong. In some cases, it may be used as a unique alternative to more common names like Nicole or Michaela.
The name Nikaya experienced fluctuations in popularity over time, with a notable peak between 2001 and 2005 when it reached its highest point of 14 to 15 births per year. Before this period, the number of births fluctuated between 5 to 8 annually. After 2005, the frequency of the name dropped significantly, with only 5 to 6 births per year recorded until 2013. In total, there were 165 babies named Nikaya born between 1990 and 2013.