View Message

Nicholas or Nikolai
Without telling you any context: Nicholas or Nikolai? and why?
Now with some context.My mother is Nicola, goes by Nicki. I would like to honour her.
Nikolai was my first choice, he'd go by "Kai" (maybe occasionally Niki), I think it's cool and spunky. But is it too weird/unexpected for somebody without any Russian heritage who lives in England/USA?
Nicholas I always used to hate (and I don't use that word lightly), but I've been hearing it more often now and it's growing on me. He'd go by Nicky predominantly.Opinions? TIA :-)English Au Pair in Massachusetts with https://www.aupairinamerica.com/https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/117870?sort=gender&pop=ew
Top ~ Alexei (b) and Juliet (g)
Bottom ~ Morgan (g) and Lois (g)
Archived Thread - replies disabled
vote up1

Replies

Nikolai, definitely! With no context: Nicholas usually ends up as Nick, and it's boring either way. Nikolai could end up as Nick, but it's easier to use a different nickname like Niko. I also just prefer the full name of Nikolai instead of Nicholas. I think Kai is good, maybe a stretch though. I'd prefer Niko for Nikolai or Nico for Nicholas (or Nicolas. I don't really like it with the h, and Nicolas is closer to Nicola anyway).
But keep in mind that saying "he'd go by ___" is just a fantasy on your part, if this is an actual baby you have no idea what nickname he's going to prefer, if any.
vote up1
Nikolai is one of my favourite names! I think there’s a really sweet, gentle and kind feel to it, and I also love Kai or Niki (or Niko) as nns. Even with context, I’d still go for Nikolai. I’d happily use him and I don’t have any Russian heritage either. Nicholas doesn’t even slightly stand up to Nikolai in my opinion, it feels tired and overdone (as does Nick) and I always think ‘knickerless’ when I hear it haha.

This message was edited 12/5/2018, 2:46 PM

vote up1
Hi Millie !!!Nicholas or Nikolai?I choose Nikolai!!Nicholas always seem boring and quite cutesy.Instead Nikolai (or Nikolay) is fascinating, elegant and romantic.
vote up1
I like Nicholas, and would have considered it for our son, but DH said he wasn't going to send HIS son out into the world without underwear, so ...Nikolai is very nice, but at one time I taught a boy and a girl - in d9ifferent schools, luckily - both named Nikolai. And that really bothered me.
vote up1
I prefer Nicholas because it isn't as 'hard' as Nikolai. I don't think Nikolai would be weird though, and I like Kai as a nickname.
vote up1