Names That Mean Victory

Cool goddess name, but brace yourself for lots of sneaker jokes.

A slightly more approachable take on Nicodemus that boasts the very-cool nickname Niko.

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

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.

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.

Built from the popular La- prefix and Toya, possibly from Victoria, this is one of the best known and historically most popular La-starting names. A famous bearer is La Toya Jackson, a singer, actress and businesswoman and sister of Michael Jackson. It was a Top 100 name from 1981 to 1985, then fell off the list in 1995.

Popular in Sweden — Ziggy would be English cognate.

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

Tory (and more commonly, Tori) is most often seen as a feminine nickname for Victoria. However, in terms of putting Tory — just Tory — on the birth certificate, boys have the leg up.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

This Ukrainian variation of classic Nicholas is pronounced like the more familiar Nikola, but with an M of course. Myko would be a cool and edgy nickname option.

A strong name with a strong meaning, like its cousin Zafir.

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

A lengthy Olde World route to Nick.

The enduring form of Nicholas in countries that speak predominantly Germanic languages.

Even more daunting than Nicodemus.