Nico | Oh Baby! Names

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Nico

Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Nico

Nico is the short form of Nicholas used primarily among the Dutch, Germans, Italians, Portuguese and Spanish. The name Nicholas is the anglicized spelling of the Greek name “Nikolaos” which is derived from “nikē” (victory) and “laos” (people). Nicholas came into regular usage in the later Middle Ages owing to the growing cult and popularity of St. Nicholas (who lived during the 3rd and 4th centuries in modern day Turkey). St. Nicholas was known for his secret gift-giving and thus became the inspiration behind the Christmas tradition of Santa Clause (it was the Dutch who developed the concept of “Sinterklaas” in the 19th century). Yet centuries before, St. Nicholas was revered among Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians alike (which is why this name has enjoyed widespread international appeal). He is known as the patron saint of children (aptly so). Among the Greeks and Italians, St. Nicholas is also considered the patron saint of sailors and was often revered as a Christianized version of the sea god Poseidon. Many miracles were attributed to St. Nicholas so it’s no wonder that the name became a favorite of many Christian cultures throughout the Western World. Nicholas remains a hugely popular name among English speakers, but it has also produced several other variations in other languages, as well as many diminutives including Nick, Claus, Klaas, Nils, Niko and Nico (some examples). Nico is currently a Top 25 boy’s name in German-speaking Austria.

All About the Baby Name – Nico

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME NICO

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME NICO

Nico first appeared on the American male naming charts quite recently in the year 1988. Since the name shot up almost 500 positions on the Top 1000 list in two short years, we figured there had to be some pop-culture influence at hand. In 1988 the internationally known martial artist Steven Seagal debuted in his first feature film called “Above the Law” in which he played the heroic character Det. Sgt. Nico Toscani. Enough future American parents saw the movie and found the name Nico both masculine and charming, and we would agree. Since Nico is the short form of Nicholas in so many various languages, it gives the name a certain cosmopolitan coolness. Nico is short and sweet; upbeat and friendly. Interestingly, although masculine in nature, Nico is a name also used occasionally for girls. This may have been influenced by the German-born female musician Nico (b. Christa Päffgen) who collaborated with The Velvet Underground in the 1960s (she was also a muse to Andy Warhol). However, Nico has not been used on females frequently enough to land her a spot on the Top 1000 girl names in America. Today Nico is used with very light moderation, so it’s definitely not super common for little boys either. Although we’re guessing Nico is most popular among Spanish speaking Americans, this is a name with strong cross-over appeal.

Quick Facts

ON NICO

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Dutch

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

484

PRONUNCIATION:

NEE-ko

SIMPLE MEANING:

People of victory

Characteristics

OF NICO

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Nico

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME NICO

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Nico

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME NICO

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Nico

Popular Songs

ON NICO

Nicoa song by The Cult

Famous People

NAMED NICO

Nico (musician) Nico Rosberg (German racecar driver) Nico Hülkenberg (German racecar driver) Nico Tortorella (actor) Nico Terol (Spanish motorcycle racer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED NICO

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Nico

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME NICO

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Nico

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