NameCensus.

UK girl's name

Niketa

A feminine name originating from Sanskrit meaning "rules or principles".

For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 1999. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.

Niketa is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Niketa popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 1999 in this profile. In that release it ranked #2444, with 6 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 1999, with 6 births.

This profile covers 15 England and Wales registrations across 3 recorded years from 1996 to 1999. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.

Niketa is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.

We estimate that about 15 living people in the UK are called Niketa. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2000 or 2026.

Key insights

  • Niketa ranked #2444 for girls in England and Wales in 1999, with 6 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 1999, when 6 girls were registered as Niketa.
  • About 15 living people in the UK are estimated to have Niketa as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#2444

1999

Births in 1999

6

Latest year

Peak year

1999

6 births

Estimated living

15

2026

Meaning

What does Niketa mean?

The name Niketa has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient language of the Indian subcontinent. It is believed to have derived from the Sanskrit word "niketa," which translates to "abode" or "dwelling place." This name was likely given to children born in sacred or significant places, or to those who were considered a symbol of home and sanctuary.

In Hindu mythology, there are references to Niketa as a name for Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It is mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, an important Hindu scripture, as a descriptor for Vishnu, emphasizing his role as the ultimate refuge or abode for all beings.

The earliest known historical record of the name Niketa dates back to the 6th century CE, when it was used by several Hindu scholars and philosophers. One notable figure was Niketa Bhatta, a renowned logician and commentator on the Nyaya school of Indian philosophy, who lived during the 6th century CE.

Another historical figure with the name Niketa was Niketa Mallik, a medieval Bengali poet and philosopher from the 13th century CE. He was known for his contributions to the Vaishnava literary tradition and his devotional poetry dedicated to Lord Krishna.

In the 16th century, Niketa Chakravarti was a prominent Sanskrit scholar and author from Bengal. He wrote several texts on Hindu philosophy, grammar, and literature, and his works were widely studied and acclaimed during his time.

Moving forward in history, Niketa Gandhi was an Indian independence activist and social worker from the early 20th century. She was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and played a significant role in the Indian independence movement through her involvement in various non-violent protests and civil disobedience campaigns.

Lastly, Niketa Calame-Rosset was a Swiss artist and sculptor known for her abstract and minimalist works. She was born in 1890 and her sculptures, often made of metal and stone, were exhibited in various galleries and museums throughout Europe during the mid-20th century.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the name Niketa throughout history, spanning different eras, regions, and fields of expertise. While the name may have originated in Sanskrit and Hindu culture, it has transcended its roots and been embraced by people from various backgrounds, reflecting its enduring significance and appeal.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Niketa over time

The chart below shows babies named Niketa registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 1999. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.

For Niketa, the clearest high point is 1999. The latest England and Wales figure is 6 births in 1999, compared with 6 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Niketa
02356199619971999

Decades

Niketa by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Niketa was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.

Decade Average rank Total births Years covered
1990s #2767 15 3

Related

Names similar to Niketa

FAQ

Niketa: questions and answers

How popular is the name Niketa in the UK right now?

In 1999, Niketa was ranked #2444 for girls in England and Wales, with 6 births registered.

When was Niketa most popular?

The peak year on record was 1999, with 6 babies registered as Niketa in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Niketa?

A feminine name originating from Sanskrit meaning "rules or principles".

How many people are called Niketa in the UK?

A total of 15 babies have been registered as Niketa across the 3 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.

Which records is this page based on?

The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.