NomOrigine Background

Last Name Nikita

What is the origin of the last name Nikita?

The last name "Nikita" is of Russian origin. It is derived from the male given name "Nikita," which is a variant of the name "Niketas" in Greek. The name "Nikita" means "unconquered" or "victorious." In Russia, the last name "Nikita" is not as common as a surname but is more commonly used as a given name.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nikita

The meaning and origin of the last name Nikita

The surname Nikita is of Russian and Greek origin, deriving from the Greek name Niketas, meaning "victor" or "conqueror." It is a masculine name that has also been used as a surname in some cultures. The name Nikita has historically been popular in Eastern Europe and Russia, where it conveys qualities of strength, bravery, and success. In Russian culture, Nikita is often associated with a strong and powerful leader. Over time, the name has spread to other parts of the world and is now a common surname found in various countries. Today, individuals with the surname Nikita may have ancestors who hailed from Russia, Greece, or other regions where this name is prevalent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nikita

The last name Nikita is primarily found in Eastern Europe, with the highest concentration in Russia and Ukraine. In Russia, the name is most common in the regions of Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Krasnodar. In Ukraine, it is prevalent in cities like Kiev, Kharkiv, and Odessa. The name may also be found in Moldova, Belarus, and other former Soviet Union countries. Outside of Eastern Europe, the surname Nikita can be found in smaller numbers in countries such as Germany, France, and the United States due to migration and immigration patterns. The name likely has its origins in Eastern Europe, specifically in areas with a history of Slavic influence. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Nikita suggests strong ties to Eastern European heritage and ancestry.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nikita

The last name Nikita can be spelled and varied in many different ways. Some common variations include Nikita, Nykita, Nikitta, Nekita, and Necita. Additionally, there may be variations based on different languages or regions, such as Nikitov in Russian or Nikitakis in Greek. Other variations may include changing the ending of the name to Nikitas or adding prefixes such as Van Nikita or De Nikita. These variations may stem from differences in pronunciation, translation, or historical differences in spelling. Overall, while the last name Nikita may have several variations and spellings, they all ultimately represent the same surname and family lineage.

Famous people with the last name Nikita

Due to its uncommon nature, the last name Nikita is not associated with many famous individuals. However, one notable figure with this surname is Nikita Khrushchev, the former leader of the Soviet Union during the 1950s and 1960s. Khrushchev was known for his role in political reforms within the Soviet Union, including de-Stalinization and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Another well-known figure with the last name Nikita is Nikita Mikhalkov, a prominent Russian filmmaker and actor. Mikhalkov has won numerous awards for his work in cinema, including an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for his movie "Burnt by the Sun." While the last name Nikita may not be as common as others, these notable individuals have certainly left their mark on history.

Genealogical research on the last name Nikita

The last name Nikita appears to have Eastern European origins, particularly in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The surname is likely derived from the Greek word "Niketas," meaning "victorious" or "conqueror." It is possible that the name originated as a given name before becoming a hereditary surname. The Nikita family may have been part of nobility or the aristocracy in these regions, as the name is not as widespread as some other surnames. Research into the Nikita family history may reveal ties to important historical figures or prominent families in Eastern Europe. Further investigation into church records, census data, and immigration records could provide more insight into the origins and migration patterns of the Nikita surname.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Nik mohamad (Last name)

surnames > nik-mohamad

The last name "Nik Mohamad" is of Malay origin. It is a combination of the title "Nik" which means "lord" or "prince" in Malay, and the name "Mohamad" which is derived from the Ara...

Nika (Last name)

surnames > nika

The last name "Nika" is of Albanian origin. It is derived from the Albanian word "nikë," which means victory or success.

Nikah (Last name)

surnames > nikah

The last name Nikah is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "nikaah," meaning marriage or wedding ceremony.

Nikal (Last name)

surnames > nikal

The last name "nikal" is of Finnish origin. It is a surname derived from a Finnish word meaning "pine" or "fir tree." It likely originally referred to someone who lived near or wor...

Nikala keshav (Last name)

surnames > nikala-keshav

The last name Nikala Keshav is of Indian origin. "Nikala" is a Sanskrit name meaning "emerged" or "arisen," while "Keshav" is another name for the Hindu god Krishna.

Nikamachi (Last name)

surnames > nikamachi

The last name Nikamachi is of Japanese origin. It is derived from the combination of the elements "ni" meaning "two", "ka" meaning "house", and "machi" meaning "town" or "street". ...

Nikandrova (Last name)

surnames > nikandrova

Nikandrova is a Russian surname derived from the Greek name "Nikandros", which means "victory of a man". It is likely that the surname was adopted by a family of Russian or Greek o...

Nikathil (Last name)

surnames > nikathil

The last name "Nikathil" is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is a common surname among the Malayali community in Kerala.

Nike (Last name)

surnames > nike

The last name "Nike" does not have a specific origin as it is not a common or well-known surname. However, it is worth noting that "Nike" is a well-known multinational corporation ...

Nikeelu (Last name)

surnames > nikeelu

The last name "Nikeelu" is of Hawaiian origin. It is derived from the Hawaiian word "nike," meaning "to beckon, signal, or wave."

Nikele (Last name)

surnames > nikele

The last name "Nikele" is of Slavic origin, and is a variation of the surname "Nikolic" which means "son of Nikola". Nikola is a common given name in Slavic countries and is derive...

Niken (Last name)

surnames > niken

The last name "Niken" is of Indonesian origin. It is derived from the given name of the same spelling, which means "beautiful" or "handsome" in the Javanese language.

Niket (Last name)

surnames > niket

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Nikfar (Last name)

surnames > nikfar

The last name Nikfar is of Persian origin. It is derived from the words "Nik" meaning good or beautiful, and "Far" meaning to do or make. Therefore, Nikfar can be translated to mea...

Nikfarman (Last name)

surnames > nikfarman

The surname Nikfarman is of Persian origin, derived from the words "Nik" meaning good or beautiful, and "farman" meaning command or order.