Nicol is a name of Latin origin, derived from the male given name Nicholas. The name Nicholas itself comes from the Greek name Nikolaos, which consists of two elements: nika, meaning "victory," and laos, meaning "people." Therefore, Nicol means "victory of the people."
The name Nicol has been used throughout history, particularly in Scotland where it was often given as a diminutive form of Nicholas. In the Middle Ages, Nicol was a popular name among the Scottish nobility.
Today, Nicol is still used as both a male and female given name, with its popularity varying depending on the region. Despite its historical roots, Nicol remains a relatively uncommon name in many parts of the world, making it a unique choice for parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Nicol experienced a steady increase in popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s in the United States. In 1968, there were 5 babies named Nicol, followed by another 5 in 1969. This trend continued with another 5 births in 1970. However, starting from 1971, the popularity of the name Nicol began to grow more significantly, with a total of 6 babies being named Nicol that year. The growth accelerated further in 1973, with a total of 7 babies given the name Nicol.
Over this period from 1968 to 1973, a total of 28 babies were named Nicol in the United States. This represents a notable increase in popularity for the name during these years. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, it is clear that Nicol was a well-chosen name for parents seeking something unique and memorable for their children born during this era.