Nike
/ˈnaɪkiː/noun
Nike is the ancient Greek goddess and personification of victory.
Did you know?In ancient Greek art, Nike was often shown flying toward the victor with a wreath, turning athletic success into a sacred, almost magical blessing.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*neik-
“To attack, conquer, or gain victory”
Ancient Greek
Greek
νίκη (níkē)
“Victory or triumph”
Archaic Greek
Greek
Νίκη (Níkē)
“The divine personification of victory”
Classical Greek
Greek
Νικηφόρος (Nikēphóros)
“Bringing or bearing victory”
Hellenistic and Roman periods
Greek/Latin
Nīcē / Victoria
“Nike was identified with the Roman goddess Victoria”
Modern English
English
Nike
“The Greek goddess of victory; later adopted as a modern brand name”
Explore more surprising origins