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Nicolaus
Pronounced NIK-oh-lows /ˈnɪk.oʊ.laʊs/Medium
Meaning: Nicolaus is the Latinized (and German) form of Nicholas — Greek Nikolaos, from nikē 'victory' and laos 'people', 'victory of the people' — a genuine scholarly variant, famously borne by the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.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
Nicolaus is the classical Latin and German form of Nicholas, from Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people'. Far from a misspelling, it is the scholarly form used by figures like Nicolaus Copernicus, and it carries a learned, old-world air.
In the U.S. it has always been uncommon, chosen by families who prefer the fuller Latin look to the everyday Nicholas. It reads as dignified and traditional rather than trendy.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543)Renaissance astronomer whose heliocentric model placed the sun at the center of the universe.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Nicolaus mean?
Nicolaus is the Latin and German form of Nicholas, from Greek and meaning 'victory of the people'.
How do you pronounce Nicolaus?
It's said NIK-oh-lows /ˈnɪk.oʊ.laʊs/ — 3 syllables, stress on the first.
Is Nicolaus a boy or girl name?
Nicolaus is used as a boy's name in the U.S.
How popular is Nicolaus?
Nicolaus is an uncommon but genuine variant of Nicholas in the U.S., known from figures like Copernicus.