Names That Mean Victory

A surprising entrant into the US Top 1000, given that this variation of Nicholas is primarily used in Switzerland. Niklaus "Klaus" Mikaelson was a character on the TV show The Vampire Diaries.

This once vivacious midcentury nickname is rarely used for modern babies.

Whether Neco is a spelling variation of the ever-more-popular Nico, pronounced NEE-koh, or an invented name all its own, it is a highly uncommon choice, given to just 5 baby boys in the US in 2021.

As well as meaning victory, the name Katsu is strongly associated with heroism and masculinity.

Signy — also spelled Signe — would make another distinctively offbeat alternative to Sydney. Signy appears in Norse mythology as the twin sister of Sigmund.

If you loved Nicole growing up but now are looking for a new spin, Nicoletta may interest you. The slightly sleeker French version is Nicolette. A shorter form is Coletta, or you could shorten it even further to Nico or Etta.

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

Popular in Sweden — Ziggy would be English cognate.

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.

A cool Slavic short form of Sigmund, properly spelt Žiga in Slovene.

Cool goddess name, but you might need to brace yourself for lots of sneaker jokes, depending on where you live.

A gorgeous derivation of the Old Norse name Sigifrid.

Pronounced klaus, this spelling of the name is associated in this country with the major Pop Art sculptor Swedish-born Claes Oldenburg, known for his colossal public sculptures of everyday objects such as lipsticks and binoculars, and the "Happenings" performance art of the 1960s. Variations include CLAUS, KLAUS, KLAES, and CLAAS.

A cute Welsh name with a strong meaning. This was the name of a 6th-century Welsh saint who founded Caergybi, or Holyhead in English.

The Finnish word for "victory" is a rare name even throughout the Nordic country, but with its on-trend V sound it could make a striking choice.

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.

First century queen who led her Brittonic Iceni tribe in revolution against the Romans occupying England. Also found as Boudica, Boadicea (as in bodacious) and in Welsh as Buddug, the historic namesake was defeated and committed suicide, but is still celebrated in England as intelligent and brave. One ancient name that, while unheard these days, could be revived along with such choices as Atticus and Cassius.

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.

German spelling of the Russian diminutive Kolya, from Nikolai.