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Nicola

♂ Boy

Nicola Pronunciation

Nicola is pronounced NEE-koh-lah /ˈni.ko.lɑ/High

Meaning: Italian masculine form of Nicholas, from Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people'High

In 30 seconds: A trap for Anglophone ears and a classic for Italian ones: Nicola is a man's name in Italy — Nicholas himself — however British playgrounds use it. Victory of the people, espresso included.
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Origin HighItalian, Greek
MeaningItalian masculine form of Nicholas, from Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people'
U.S. rank (2024)#3361 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births35 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1972
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,981

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197219082024

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

History & Origin

Nicola is the Italian masculine Nicholas — Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people' — the saint of Bari whose relics make southern Italy a Nicola heartland. Sculptor Nicola Pisano helped launch Italian art's great chain; Britain, meanwhile, used Nicola as a girls' name, creating the name's split personality.

In the U.S. the masculine use is rare and unmistakably Italian-heritage. The nickname Nico resolves all ambiguity in one cool stroke.

Did you know? Italy's Nicola and Andrea read feminine to English speakers but are firmly masculine at home — a cross-cultural banana peel that trips up databases yearly.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Nicola — Italian masculine form

Variations

NiccolòNikolaNicholas

Nicknames

NicoNickLino

Famous Bearers

  • ★Nicola Pisano (1220–1284)
    Italian sculptor whose pulpits helped begin the artistic renewal that led to the Renaissance.

If you like Nicola…

Nikola— the Slavic brother form Tesla made famous
Niccolo— the fellow Italian Nicholas of Machiavelli
Giovanni— a companion Italian bedrock classic
Matteo— the modern Italian favorite of American parents

→ See all names like Nicola

Browse the whole category: All Italian names →  ·  All Greek names →  ·  All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Nicola?

Nicola is pronounced NEE-koh-lah (/ˈni.ko.lɑ/). Press play above to hear Nicola said aloud.

How do you say Nicola?

Nicola is said NEE-koh-lah (/ˈni.ko.lɑ/). Press play above to hear Nicola said aloud.

What does the name Nicola mean?

Nicola is the Italian masculine form of Nicholas, Greek for 'victory of the people'.

Is Nicola a boy or girl name?

In Italy Nicola is a boy's name; Britain has used it for girls. This page covers the masculine Italian use.

How popular is Nicola?

Nicola is rare for boys in the U.S. and traditional in Italy.