All about the name

Nicholas

Female

« Nicholas is a Greek name meaning "victory of the people. »

#18572 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Nicholas is a name of Greek origin, meaning "victory of the people." It comes from the Greek word "nikē," which means victory, and "laos," which means people. The name has been popular throughout history, particularly in Europe, where it has been borne by many notable figures. The most famous bearer of the name Nicholas is undoubtedly Saint Nicholas, who was a bishop in the fourth century in what is now Turkey. According to legend, he was known for his generosity and kindness, often giving gifts anonymously to those in need. Over time, his reputation grew, and he became the patron saint of children, sailors, and several other groups. The stories about Saint Nicholas evolved into the modern-day tradition of gift-giving on Christmas Eve, which is how Santa Claus came to be associated with the name Nicholas. The name Nicholas has been popular throughout history and continues to be so today. It was among the top 10 boys' names in the United States for much of the twentieth century, and it remains in the top 200 as of 2021. Variants of the name include Nick, Nico, Nikki, and Cole, among others. In literature and popular culture, Nicholas has been used as a character name in many works, including "The Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" by Charles Dickens, "Nickel and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich, and the television series "New Girl," which features a character named Nick. The name's popularity and enduring appeal can be attributed to its strong historical roots and timeless meaning.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Nicholas since 1880

Total births
3,139
Total since 1880
Peak year
1985
162 births
in 2022
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-68%
vs previous 5 years