Home › Baby Names Directory › Nicholas

Nicholas

♂ Boy

Pronounced NIK-uh-lus /ˈnɪk.ə.ləs/High

Meaning: Victory of the people — from Greek Nikolaos, from nike (victory) + laos (people)High

In 30 seconds: A Greek classic meaning 'victory of the people,' Nicholas was borne by the beloved saint who became Santa Claus. It has been a perennial top-10 American boys' name and retains timeless authority.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighGreek
MeaningVictory of the people — from Greek Nikolaos, from nike (victory) + laos (people)
Peak year1995
Total births (all-time)≈ 895,397

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199518802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Nicholas derives from the Greek Nikolaos, composed of nike (victory) and laos (people). Saint Nicholas of Myra's fame spread throughout Christian Europe, making the name enormously popular in the Middle Ages.

Nicholas has been one of the most popular boys' names in the English-speaking world for centuries, reaching peak U.S. popularity in the 1990s. It remains in the top 100 today.

Did you know? Saint Nicholas of Myra (c. 270–343 AD) was the bishop whose legendary generosity — throwing bags of gold through windows to provide dowries for poor girls — evolved over centuries into the Santa Claus legend.

Variations

NicolasNikolaiKlausColin

Nicknames

NickNickyColeNico

Famous Bearers

  • ★Nicholas of Myra (c. 270–343 AD)
    Christian bishop of Myra, whose legendary generosity inspired the Santa Claus tradition.

If you like Nicholas…

Christopher— long Greek classic with the same saint's name history and enduring American appeal
Alexander— Greek victory-rooted name with the same grand, time-tested stature
Dominic— Latin saint's name with the same three-syllable Catholic grandeur
Andrew— Greek apostle name with the same centuries-long English-speaking reliability

Frequently Asked

What does the name Nicholas mean?

Nicholas comes from the Greek Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people,' from nike (victory) and laos (people).

How do you pronounce Nicholas?

It is said NIK-uh-lus /ˈnɪk.ə.ləs/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Nicholas a boy or girl name?

Nicholas is used almost exclusively as a boy's name; Nicole and Nicola are the main feminine forms.

How popular is Nicholas?

Nicholas was in the U.S. top 10 boys' names in the 1990s and remains a top-100 name today.