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Nicolae
Pronounced nee-koh-LAH-eh /ˌni.koˈlɑː.e/Medium
Meaning: The Romanian form of Nicholas, from the Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people' (nike, 'victory,' + laos, 'people'). Strong and distinctly Romanian.Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Nicolae is Romanian for Nicholas, from the Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people.' It reads as a strong, distinctly Romanian classic — rare in the U.S. (said 'nee-koh-LAH-eh').
In the U.S. it appears rarely, mostly in Romanian families. Rare, classic, and heritage-rich.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Nicolae mean?
Nicolae is the Romanian form of Nicholas, Greek for 'victory of the people.'
How do you pronounce Nicolae?
It's said nee-koh-LAH-eh /ˌni.koˈlɑː.e/ — four syllables, stress on the third.
Is Nicolae a boy or girl name?
Nicolae is a boy's name.
How popular is Nicolae?
Nicolae is a rare name in the U.S., common in Romania.