The magnetic properties of Ni nanowires consisting of one to four atoms are investigated by mean of ab initio spin-polarized density functional calculations. Stability of zigzag-square $Ni_4$ nanowire is larger than $Ni_4$ nanowires with square. The magnetic moment of linear $Ni_1$ is $1.34{mu_B}/atom$, which is the largest magnitude among moments of five Ni nanowires. The magnetic moment of Ninanowires show to be decreased by increasing the number of atoms in unit cell. The smallest moment is $0.91 {mu_B}/atom$ for square $Ni_4$ nanowire. The spin polarization of zigzag-square $Ni_4$ nanowire is 32% higher than that of fcc bulk Ni.