Nicol is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Greek name Nicholas. It means "victory of the people" or "people's victory." The name Nicol is also associated with St. Nicholas, a historic figure who was later adopted as the basis for Santa Claus.
The name Nicol has a rich history and has been used throughout the centuries. In Scotland, it was particularly popular during the medieval period. Many historical figures have borne this name, including Nicol Burgeon, a Scottish priest and writer of the 16th century, and Nicol Ferriar, a Scottish poet of the 17th century.
In more recent times, Nicol has been used as both a first name and a surname. Some notable individuals with this name include Nicol Williamson, a Welsh actor known for his roles in films such as "The Exorcist," and Nicolaus Copernicus, a Polish astronomer who proposed the heliocentric model of the universe.
Overall, Nicol is a name with a strong historical legacy and an appealing meaning. It has been used throughout the centuries and continues to be popular today, particularly in Scotland and other parts of the British Isles. Despite its Scottish origins, Nicol has also gained popularity around the world, thanks in part to the global influence of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus.
The name Nicol has been popular among parents in the United States over the past six decades, with a total of 2181 births recorded between 1956 and 2023.
In the early years, the number of births was relatively low, starting with just 5 births in 1956. However, there was a significant increase in popularity during the late 1960s to mid-1970s, peaking at 125 births in 1970.
After this peak, the number of Nicol births began to decline steadily throughout the 1970s and 1980s. By 1984, there were only 18 births recorded, marking a significant drop from previous years.
The popularity of the name Nicol remained relatively stable through the 1990s and early 2000s, with an average of around 20-30 births per year. However, in recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in its popularity, with 42 births recorded in 2013 and 27 births recorded in 2023.
Overall, while Nicol may not be one of the most popular names in the United States, it has maintained a steady presence among newborns over the past six decades. Its popularity has fluctuated over time but has remained consistent enough to have been given to over two thousand children during this period.