Niko

Niko is a masculine given name used in several countries and cultures. It is typically a shortened form of Nikola or Nikolas, both derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning “victory of the people.” In Finland, Niko is often a standalone given name, while in many Slavic-speaking regions it functions as a familiar form of Nikola. The name also appears in various other European communities and, less commonly, as a surname.

In popular culture, Niko Bellic is the fictional protagonist of the 2008 video game Grand Theft Auto IV. He is a Eastern European immigrant who comes to Liberty City in search of a new life, a narrative used to explore themes of immigration and the American dream. The name has appeared for other fictional characters in film, television, and literature as well.

Notable real people named Niko include Niko Kranjčar, a Croatian professional footballer, and Niko Kovač, a Croatian former football player and manager. The name’s usage across different languages and regions reflects its versatility as a familiar form of Nikola while also standing alone as a given name in its own right. See also variants such as Nico and Nikola, which share etymological roots.