Nicolai
Every Nicolai since 1962 — 1,865 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Nicolai
Nicolai is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #2,590 in 2025 with 51 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1962, 1,865 American babies have been named Nicolai. Its peak came in 2015, when 78 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2010s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Nicolai stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Nicolai year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 51 | #2,590 |
| 2024 | 52 | #2,586 |
| 2023 | 54 | #2,502 |
| 2022 | 69 | #2,147 |
| 2021 | 50 | #2,612 |
| 2020 | 50 | #2,575 |
| 2019 | 55 | #2,454 |
| 2018 | 62 | #2,222 |
| 2017 | 45 | #2,748 |
| 2016 | 66 | #2,129 |
| 2015 | 78 | #1,883 |
| 2014 | 68 | #2,075 |
| 2013 | 60 | #2,194 |
| 2012 | 63 | #2,147 |
| 2011 | 50 | #2,497 |
| 2010 | 60 | #2,201 |
| 2009 | 59 | #2,246 |
| 2008 | 70 | #2,021 |
| 2007 | 50 | #2,526 |
| 2006 | 57 | #2,239 |
| 2005 | 48 | #2,420 |
| 2004 | 47 | #2,405 |
| 2003 | 45 | #2,382 |
| 2002 | 30 | #3,065 |
| 2001 | 27 | #3,298 |
| 2000 | 30 | #2,971 |
| 1995 | 41 | #2,048 |
| 1990 | 36 | #2,070 |
| 1985 | 10 | #4,253 |
| 1980 | 8 | #4,818 |
| 1975 | 10 | #3,599 |
| 1970 | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Nicolai
- Nicolai Hartmann Philosopher · 1882–1950
- Nicolai Ghiaurov Singer · 1929–2004
- Nicolai Gedda Singer · 1925–2017
- Nicolai Abildgaard Painter · 1743–1809
- Nicolai Cleve Broch Actor · b. 1975
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Nicolai in 2025?
Nicolai ranked #2,590 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 51 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Nicolai?
1,865 babies have been named Nicolai in the United States since 1962, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Nicolai most popular?
Nicolai peaked in 2015, when 78 newborns received the name.
Is Nicolai a boy or girl name?
Nicolai is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Nicolai rising or falling?
Nicolai is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Nicolai?
Well-known people named Nicolai include Nicolai Hartmann (philosopher), Nicolai Ghiaurov (singer), Nicolai Gedda (singer).