What does Nikos mean?

Nikos is a Greek name meaning 'victory of the people', derived from the words for victory (nike) and people (laos).

How do you pronounce Nikos?

Nikos is pronounced NEE-kohs, with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Is Nikos a boy or girl name?

Nikos is a masculine name. The feminine equivalent in Greek is typically Niki or Nikoleta.

Is Nikos a nickname or a full name?

While it is a common short form of the Greek name Nikolaos, it is frequently used as a standalone legal name.

NikosΝίκος

/NEE-kohs/

GreekBoy

Nikos is a Greek boy's name pronounced /NEE-kohs/. A spirited name meaning victory of the people, commonly used as a short form of Nikolaos.

Meaning of Nikos

A spirited name meaning victory of the people, commonly used as a short form of Nikolaos.

Nikos is a diminutive of the Greek name Nikolaos, which is derived from the elements 'nike' meaning victory and 'laos' meaning people. It has deep roots in ancient Greek language and rose to prominence through the veneration of Saint Nicholas in the Christian tradition.

Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: /NEE-kohs/

Cultural background

The name remains a staple in modern Greece and Cyprus, often given to boys born on December 6th, the feast day of Saint Nicholas. It is widely used both as a formal name and a popular short form of Nikolaos.

Variations & nicknames

Nikolas
Nicolaos
Nicos
Niko
Niki
Nick

Famous people named Nikos

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

Nikos Kazantzakis
Acclaimed giant of modern Greek literature and author of Zorba the Greek.
Literature · 1883–1957
Nikos Galis
Hall of Fame professional basketball player considered one of Europe's greatest scorers.
Sport · 1970s–1990s
Nikos Aliagas
Prominent Greek-French journalist and television host.
Media · 1990s–present
Nikos Gatsos
Influential Greek poet, translator, and lyricist.
Literature · 1930s–1990s
Nikos Vertis
Popular Greek singer known for Laïko and pop music.
Music · 2000s–present

Frequently asked about Nikos

What does Nikos mean?: Nikos is a Greek name meaning 'victory of the people', derived from the words for victory (nike) and people (laos).
How do you pronounce Nikos?: Nikos is pronounced NEE-kohs, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
Is Nikos a boy or girl name?: Nikos is a masculine name. The feminine equivalent in Greek is typically Niki or Nikoleta.
Is Nikos a nickname or a full name?: While it is a common short form of the Greek name Nikolaos, it is frequently used as a standalone legal name.

Love Nikos? Get more names like it

We'll email you 5 fresh Greek names each week — free, no spam.

Compare Nikos with…

Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.

More Greek names

See all Greek names

Find more names like Nikos