Boy Name
Nico
Nico is a boy's name whose meaning is not firmly attested in the historical record. It is used as a boy's name across several naming traditions, and it is rare in the United States today — outside the SSA top 1,000.
Nico is a boy baby name. It currently sits in the Rare tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Nico often also consider Niko.
Nico meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Nico has a distinctive sound and evolving modern usage.
Origin: Multiple naming traditions are associated with this name.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Nico as N·I·C·O, with 4 letters and a boy usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Nico is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Nico variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Nicoa, Nicoe, Nicoy.
- Nicknames: Nico works as its own nickname.
- Middle names: Pair Nico with a middle name that balances its short sound; start with the Nico middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Niko, Nikko, Nickie, Nissa, Niki — full picks on the sibling names for Nico guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Nico? Browse our names like Nico guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Nico
What does the name Nico mean?
Nico has no single meaning that is firmly attested in the historical record. It is used as a boy name in US birth records, and parents usually choose it for its sound rather than a documented meaning.
What is the origin of Nico?
The exact origin of Nico is debated, but it has been used across multiple naming traditions.
How do you pronounce Nico?
Nico has 4 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Nico a boy's or girl's name?
Nico is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Nico in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Nico sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Nico?
Names that share Nico's sound and style include Niko, Nikko, Nickie, Nissa, Niki.
What middle names pair well with Nico?
Good middle-name fits for Nico pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Nico is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Nico is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Nico?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Nico share its rhythm without rhyming — Niko, Nikko, Nickie all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.