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Nicole

♀ Girl

Pronounced nih-KOHL /nɪˈkoʊl/High

Meaning: French feminine form of Nicholas, from Greek Nikolaos meaning victory of the people, combining nike (victory) and laos (people)High

In 30 seconds: Nicole is the elegant French form of Nicholas meaning 'victory of the people,' a name that dominated the late 20th century and retains its polished, cosmopolitan appeal.
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Origin HighFrench, Greek
MeaningFrench feminine form of Nicholas, from Greek Nikolaos meaning victory of the people, combining nike (victory) and laos (people)
U.S. rank (2025)#383 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births803 girls (0.05% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1985
Total births (all-time)≈ 594,494

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198519372025

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

History & Origin

Nicole is the French feminine form of Nicolas, derived from the Greek Nikolaos, a compound of nike (victory) and laos (people). The name was popularized in medieval Europe through devotion to Saint Nicholas.

In the United States, Nicole surged in the 1970s and reached peak popularity in the 1980s. It has since moderated but remains a widely recognized classic.

Did you know? Nicole was a top-10 U.S. girls' name throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, part of a wave of French-style names ending in -le that swept the country during that era.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Nicole — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

NicoletteNikoleNicolaNicolás

Nicknames

NikkiNikiColie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Nicole Kidman (1967–present)
    Australian-American actress and Academy Award winner.
  • ★Nicole Scherzinger (1978–present)
    American singer, lead vocalist of the Pussycat Dolls.

If you like Nicole…

Natalie— shares the French polish and similar late-20th-century peak popularity
Danielle— fellow French feminine classic with the same sophisticated elegance
Michelle— shares the French suffix style and overlapping peak generation
Monique— another French girl's name with the same refined, cosmopolitan feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Nicole mean?

Nicole means 'victory of the people,' from Greek nike (victory) and laos (people).

How do you pronounce Nicole?

It is said nih-KOHL /nɪˈkoʊl/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Nicole a timeless name?

Yes, Nicole has been in continuous use for decades and retains a polished, classic feel.

What are nicknames for Nicole?

Common nicknames include Nikki, Niki, and Colie.