Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Nicole.
National Rank (2025)
#383
All-Time Peak Rank
#6 (1982)
Total U.S. Births
594,500
Unisex Distribution0.3% Boy / 99.7% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Female
💡 The Nicole Vibe: This choice is considered a Declining Classic. A previously dominant name currently experiencing a prolonged generational cooling period.
📖 The Story Behind Nicole
According to SSA data, Nicole achieved its highest historical rank of #6 in 1982. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1985 with 22,966 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 62.1%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 89 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Nicole scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Declining
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-62.1% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record22,966Births in 1985
Years in Top 100
40yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
89Years
Historical VolatilityHighly Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:0
1890s:0
1900s:0
1910s:0
1920s:0
1930s:28
1940s:616
1950s:1,314
1960s:18,564
1970s:144,667
1980s:210,494
1990s:136,103
2000s:54,585
2010s:22,306
2020s:5,823
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesNi-cole
Letter Count6 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: It is an isogram, meaning no two letters are repeated. Longer than 25.7% 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 Nicole? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics