Nikolaus
Every Nikolaus since 1955 — 2,656 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Nikolaus
Nikolaus is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #4,346 in 2025 with 24 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1955, 2,656 American babies have been named Nikolaus. Its peak came in 1994, when 98 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1990s.
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 Nikolaus stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Nikolaus year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 24 | #4,346 |
| 2024 | 31 | #3,665 |
| 2023 | 15 | #6,138 |
| 2022 | 24 | #4,399 |
| 2021 | 33 | #3,471 |
| 2020 | 21 | #4,656 |
| 2019 | 33 | #3,472 |
| 2018 | 19 | #5,053 |
| 2017 | 27 | #3,949 |
| 2016 | 23 | #4,430 |
| 2015 | 22 | #4,505 |
| 2014 | 47 | #2,609 |
| 2013 | 25 | #4,030 |
| 2012 | 29 | #3,685 |
| 2011 | 28 | #3,761 |
| 2010 | 44 | #2,772 |
| 2009 | 43 | #2,830 |
| 2008 | 48 | #2,615 |
| 2007 | 35 | #3,227 |
| 2006 | 40 | #2,864 |
| 2005 | 52 | #2,288 |
| 2004 | 63 | #1,948 |
| 2003 | 64 | #1,865 |
| 2002 | 54 | #2,037 |
| 2001 | 68 | #1,705 |
| 2000 | 72 | #1,634 |
| 1995 | 87 | #1,253 |
| 1990 | 75 | #1,283 |
| 1985 | 50 | #1,382 |
| 1980 | 70 | #1,086 |
| 1975 | 10 | #3,601 |
| 1970 | 9 | #3,449 |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | 5 | #4,226 |
| 1950 | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Nikolaus
- Nikolaus Otto Inventor · 1832–1891
- Nikolaus Harnoncourt Conductor · 1929–2016
- Nikolaus von Falkenhorst Military personnel · 1885–1968
- Nikolaus I, Prince Esterházy Composer · 1714–1790
- Nikolaus Lenau Writer · 1802–1850
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Nikolaus in 2025?
Nikolaus ranked #4,346 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 24 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Nikolaus?
2,656 babies have been named Nikolaus in the United States since 1955, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Nikolaus most popular?
Nikolaus peaked in 1994, when 98 newborns received the name.
Is Nikolaus a boy or girl name?
Nikolaus is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Nikolaus rising or falling?
Nikolaus is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Nikolaus?
Well-known people named Nikolaus include Nikolaus Otto (inventor), Nikolaus Harnoncourt (conductor), Nikolaus von Falkenhorst (military personnel).