Nikhil - A very unique male name
Nikhil at a glance
Nikhil is ranked #2797 among boy baby names in 2025, with 14 births in 2025. It peaked in 1999 at #768 and first appeared on the charts in 1978.
- Rank in 2025
- #2797
- Births in 2025
- 14
- Peak year
- 1999 (#768)
- First appeared
- 1978
- Trend
- #1860 in 2020 → #2797 in 2025 (Falling)
- Popularity
- 1 in 104,735 boys
- Visitor rating
- 4.4/5 (26 recent votes)
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration · Data through 2025 · Updated 2026
With that position 1 in 104,735 baby boys were given this name - making this a very unique male name according to our Popularity Score algorithm. Nikhil peaked in popularity 27 years ago in 1999 on position 768.
Famous with this name
Nikhil Vijay
Nikhil
Nikhil
How would you rate Nikhil, 1-5?
Nikhil is currently topping the charts in...
Did you know that popularity can vary a lot between states? Nikhil is currently topping the baby name charts in California at position #1,783 - and is the least popular in New York at position #1,966.Why care about state specific baby name charts? It could be that a name that is very popular on the national overall charts is less (or even more) popular where you live. So make sure you check out the state specific charts below and find out how popular or unique Nikhil is where you live.
Comment and discuss
Nikhil origin and meaning
Sanskrit
From Sanskrit nikhila — 'complete, whole, entire'
Nikhil is a classical Sanskrit name meaning complete or whole, used across India and in the diaspora. It has been in US data since 1978 and peaked in 2007. As a genuine Sanskrit word with a stable meaning, its derivation is secure.
Attested etymology
Nikhil is a 6 letter name with 2 syllables.
To see famous people named Nikhil, pop culture references for the name Nikhil and nicknames & variations - visit Nameberry or Wikipedia.Similar to Nikhil
We've found the following names that sound similar to Nikhil, sorted by popularity.
Nigel / Nikolai / Nikola / Nicola / Nicole / Nicolai / Nicolo / Niccolo / Nicholai / Nikolay /Name statistics
Most parents-to-be know if they want a popular or unique name, and with these charts and data tables you can easily get a better
understanding of how popular or unique this name is.
With a quick glance you can easily tell if this name is increasing or declining in popularity - But note that its current popularity can actually
differ a lot from state to state.
Chart position per year (visualized)
Chart position per state (visualized)
Chart position per year (table view)
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2797 |
| 2024 | 2275 |
| 2023 | 2291 |
| 2022 | 3194 |
| 2021 | 1976 |
| 2020 | 1860 |
| 2019 | 1813 |
| 2018 | 1819 |
| 2017 | 1586 |
| 2016 | 1533 |
| 2015 | 1272 |
| 2014 | 1069 |
| 2013 | 1108 |
| 2012 | 1091 |
| 2011 | 991 |
| 2010 | 970 |
| 2009 | 860 |
| 2008 | 860 |
| 2007 | 815 |
| 2006 | 867 |
| 2005 | 842 |
| 2004 | 839 |
| 2003 | 834 |
| 2002 | 871 |
| 2001 | 795 |
| 2000 | 826 |
| 1999 | 768 |
| 1998 | 918 |
| 1997 | 974 |
| 1996 | 949 |
| 1995 | 1068 |
| 1994 | 1234 |
| 1993 | 1128 |
| 1992 | 1102 |
| 1991 | 1235 |
| 1990 | 1729 |
| 1989 | 1567 |
| 1988 | 1293 |
| 1987 | 1197 |
| 1986 | 1519 |
| 1985 | 1425 |
| 1984 | 1889 |
| 1983 | 2169 |
| 1982 | 1652 |
| 1981 | 1699 |
| 1978 | 2244 |
Chart position per state (table view)
| State | Rank |
|---|---|
| California | 1783 |
| New York | 1966 |
Even more about Nikhil
These are some of the common questions you may want to have answered to know if this is the perfect name for your baby.
Is Nikhil a common or unique name?
By analyzing the number of births and frequency of this name we've determined that it's currently a very unique male name.What is the number of syllables for the name Nikhil?
2 syllables. Why is this important? One of the things that makes a baby name sound good and have a nice rythm is the number of syllables - and especially the number of syllables along with the syllable count for your last name. A simple rule is to avoid having the same number of syllables in your first, middle and last name.Pronunciation
NIK-hil · /ˈnɪkhɪl/
Indian pronunciation is closer to nih-KHEEL; American use usually stresses the first syllable.
Around the world
No traditional forms in other languages — this name was created in America in our own time.
Famous bearers
- Nikhil Advani — Indian film director known for Kal Ho Naa Ho (b. 1971) Contemporary
Style
International
Why parents choose it
Parents choose Nikhil for a classic Indian name with a clear, positive meaning — complete, whole — that travels well in English.
Worth knowing
- English speakers tend to say NIK-il; the aspirated kh and final stress of the Indian pronunciation need demonstrating.
