Meaning, origin, history
Nicholas is a popular male given name of Greek origin. It means "victory of the people" or "people's victory." The name is derived from two Greek words: 'nike', which means victory, and 'laos', which means people.
The name Nicholas has been used since ancient times but became particularly popular in the Middle Ages due to Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop who was known for his generous deeds and miracles. He was revered as a saint by both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, and his feast day is celebrated on December 6th.
The name Nicholas has been borne by several prominent figures throughout history. Some of these include St. Nicholas himself, who was a historic figure and the inspiration behind Santa Claus; King Nikola I Petrović-Njegoš of Montenegro (1841-1921); and Sir Nicholas Winton, a British humanitarian who organized the rescue of 669 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II.
Today, Nicholas remains a popular given name for boys. It has consistently ranked among the top 500 names in the United States since the early 20th century. Variations of the name include Nicolas, Nickolas, and Nicolaus.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Nichoals since 1880
Total births
74
Total since 1880
Peak year
1995
19 births
in 2004
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years