Nicholas
BoysBest rank #37 (2008) · ranked in 8 years
With a peak of #37 in 2008, Nicholas appeared in the rankings across 2008-2015.
It eased from #37 in 2008 to #96 in 2015.
The latest tally (2025) shows no ranking for Nicholas in the top spots.
In 2008, 12,554 babies were given the name Nicholas.
Nicholas was most popular around 2008, making it characteristic of the 2000s generation.
Rank by year
Where Nicholas is most popular
In 2025, Nicholas was recorded in 45 of the 51 US jurisdictions the SSA reports on, with 3,095 births nationwide.
The largest share came from California at 425 births, 13.7% of the national total, where it ranked #159 that year.
By census region the name skews South, which accounts for 35.2% of Nicholas births, against 26.9% Northeast, 15.6% Midwest, 22.4% West.
State rankings spread more than the national figure suggests: Nicholas placed as high as #59 in New Jersey and as low as #540 in Kansas.
The 6 jurisdictions without a figure are not zeros. SSA withholds any name with fewer than 5 occurrences in a given state and year to protect privacy.
Top states, 2025
- 1California425 · #159 there
- 2Texas318 · #208 there
- 3New York310 · #88 there
- 4Florida227 · #171 there
- 5New Jersey192 · #59 there
Share by census region
- Northeast26.9%
- Midwest15.6%
- South35.2%
- West22.4%
Shares are of this name's national total, not of each state's births. SSA withholds any name under 5 occurrences per state and year. Browse all states
Frequently asked questions
- Is Nicholas a popular name?
- Nicholas reached a best rank of #37 in 2008 and has charted in 8 years.
- Where does Nicholas rank now?
- Nicholas does not appear in the top ranks in the most recent data (2025).
- Is Nicholas a boy or girl name?
- It is recorded primarily as a boys' name.
- When was Nicholas most popular?
- Nicholas peaked around 2008.
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Source: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) - Popular Baby Names (national)