Meaning, origin, history
Nicholas is a Greek masculine given name derived from the Greek word "nikē", which means victory, and "lāōs" meaning people or nation. Therefore, the name Nicholas means "victory of the people".
The name has been popular throughout history with many notable figures bearing it. Saint Nicholas, born in the 3rd century, was a bishop from Myra (now in modern-day Turkey). He is renowned for his kindness and generosity, which led to him becoming the patron saint of children and sailors.
Nicholas became widespread through Europe during the Middle Ages due to the veneration of St. Nicholas. It has since become one of the most popular names worldwide. Today, variations of Nicholas are used in many languages including Italian (Nicola), Spanish (Nicolás), French (Nicolas), German (Nikolaus), and English (Nick).
Despite its widespread use, the name remains deeply rooted in Greek culture and history. It continues to be a beloved choice for parents seeking a classic yet meaningful name for their sons.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Nicholaos since 1880
Total births
124
Total since 1880
Peak year
1979
9 births
in 2008
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years