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Nikolaj

♂ Boy

Pronounced NEE-koh-ly /ˈni.ko.laɪ/Medium

Meaning: A Danish/Scandinavian form of Nicholas — from the Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people' (nike, 'victory', + laos, 'people')Low

In 30 seconds: Victory of the people: Nikolaj is a Danish Nicholas. Lyrical, classic, and warm (said 'NEE-koh-ly').

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Origin LowGreek, Danish

MeaningA Danish/Scandinavian form of Nicholas — from the Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people' (nike, 'victory', + laos, 'people')

U.S. rank (2024)#9586 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2019

Total births (all-time)≈ 154

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Nikolaj is a Danish/Scandinavian form of Nicholas — from the Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people' (nike, 'victory', + laos, 'people'). A lyrical, classic name (said 'NEE-koh-ly').

In the U.S. it appears in Danish and Scandinavian families. Rare, victory-of-the-people at the root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Nicholas comes from the Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people' (nike + laos) — Nikolaj is the Danish form, lyrical and classic (said 'NEE-koh-ly').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Nikolaj — Danish form of Nicholas

Variations

NikolaiNicolaiNikolaus

Nicknames

Niko

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Nikolaj…

Nikolai— a kin spelling

Nicolas— the source name

Nikola— a fellow Slavic form

Nils— a sound-adjacent Scandinavian boys' name

Explore names like Nikolaj

By themegreek danish

By meaningVictory

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nikolaj mean?

Nikolaj is a Danish form of Nicholas — Greek 'victory of the people' (nike + laos).

How do you pronounce Nikolaj?

It's said NEE-koh-ly /ˈni.ko.laɪ/ — three syllables, stress on the first (the j is a y-glide).

Is Nikolaj a boy or girl name?

Nikolaj is a boy's name.

How popular is Nikolaj?

Nikolaj is a very rare name in the U.S.