Names That Mean Victory

Related to the Russian name Nikolai, this is a fresh and worldly form of a popular favorite.

Even more daunting than Nicodemus.

The name of a 5th century Athenian general during the Peloponnesian War, fittingly derived from Greek nike "victory". He was largely responsible for the negotiations which led to the Peace of Nicias in 421 BC.

Kinsey enjoyed popularity blip thanks to similarity to Lindsay, and because of Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries heroine, Kinsey Millhone. Now, Kinsley has become more popular than Kinsey, perhaps because it's more distinct from Mackenzie offshoot, Kenzie.

Nicola may be more familiar as a female name in English-speaking countries, but it's a popular classic choice for Italian baby boys – currently just outside the Top 50 there. A historic bearer is Nicola Pisano, a renowned and influential thirteenth century sculptor.

Popular in Sweden — Ziggy would be English cognate.

This name of a Buddhist goddess, a possible alternative to the trendy Maya, was chosen for their daughter by Laura Dern and Ben Harper. Jaya is simple yet unusual, a winning combination, and one of the out-of-the-box goddess names as well as one of the most easily translated Hindi names for girls.

Amarjeet can be used as both a masculine and feminine name. It is popular in Asia and has a strong meaning.

A rare Finnish name that can also be spelled Teemu.

An unusual relative of Nike, Nikias and all the Nicholas names, with a light, bright sound. In the US, Nikia has also been used as a variant of Nikki or Nakia, which saw a brief spike of popularity in the 1970s.

Closer to Nike than to Nicholas, this is an attractive, viable import. It's also one of several Italian and Spanish baby names that get you to the stylish and attractive nickname Nico.

Teemu ultimately derives from the Greek name Nicodemus via the Icelandic Demus and Finnish Tiemus.

A positive word name that came into use in the early 21st century. Also a large motorcycle manufacturer based out of the UK; Harley and Triumph could make an interesting sibset.

More modern nickname for Victoria than Vicky. Better known as Tori spelling.

Russian names, like Russian supermodels, are hot these days, at least they are when politics alow it. This is a strong way to make Nicholas new. More authentically spelled Nikolai.

Nicandro might be of interest as a blend of two Anglo favorites -- Nicholas and Andrew.

The Sirens in Greek myth were nymphs of half-woman, half-bird appearance who lured sailors to their deaths with their song.

Sigurður is a common name in Iceland, ultimately derived from the Old Norse elements sig, meaning "victory," and vard, "guardian."

This fabulous Indian name comes to us via nineteenth century Indian author and reformer Behramji Malabari. Malabri devoted most of his life to advocating for the rights of women and girls and to trying to end the practice of child marriage. His reporting of cases of child marriage was crucial to the eventual adoption of a legal age of consent - not only in India but in Britain too. Feminist options for boys are all too rare, unfortunately, but this is a fabulous choice.

This Finnish nickname for Klaus could stand independently on birth certificates.