Large-area ordered Ni nanowire arrays with different diameters have been fabricated by the direct current electrodeposition into the holes of porous anodic alumina membrane. The crystal structure and micrograph of nanowire arrays are characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that the growth orientation of Ni nanowires turns from [110] to [111] direction with increasing diameters of nanowires. The mechanism of the growth was discussed in terms of interface energy minimum principle. The size-dependent orientation of Ni nanowire arrays has the important significance for the design and control of nanostructures.