Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Nicholas.
National Rank (2025)
#112
All-Time Peak Rank
#5 (1999)
Total U.S. Births
926,047
Unisex Distribution99.7% Boy / 0.3% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Male
💡 The Nicholas Vibe: This choice is considered a Perennial Favorite. A historic staple that has maintained dominant national popularity for over half a century.
📖 The Story Behind Nicholas
According to SSA data, Nicholas achieved its highest historical rank of #5 in 1999. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1995 with 29,160 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 50.3%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 146 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Nicholas scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Declining
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-50.3% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record29,160Births in 1995
Years in Top 100
51yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
146Years
Historical VolatilityModerately Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:730
1890s:857
1900s:1,334
1910s:10,233
1920s:13,608
1930s:9,716
1940s:15,503
1950s:22,614
1960s:22,339
1970s:65,068
1980s:223,308
1990s:275,329
2000s:177,609
2010s:66,811
2020s:20,988
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesNic-ho-las
Letter Count8 Letters
Spelling ComplexityComplex
Linguistic Profile Narrative: It is an isogram, meaning no two letters are repeated. Longer than 79.0% of SSA names. Starts with N, a letter used by only 3.6% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Nicholas? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics