The nameNicholas
Nicholas is the English form of Nikolaos, "victory of the people", the name of Saint Nicholas, origin of Santa Claus.
- Boy's name
- Greek
- Feast day
Meaning
Nicholas comes from the Greek nike, "victory", and laos, "people".
Origin
Greek. Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra in the 4th century, is the patron of children and sailors, and the model for Santa Claus.
History
In the United States Nicholas was in the top ten from 1993 to 2002 and reached fifth place in 1999. Charles Dickens's Nicholas Nickleby made it familiar in England.
Did you know?
- Nicholas Sparks's first published novel, The Notebook (1996), became a best seller and a hit film.
Famous people named Nicholas
- Nicholas Hoult, actor
- Nicholas Sparks, novelist
- Nicholas Lyndhurst, actor
Popularity of the name Nicholas
Nicholas in the United States
Nicholas was most popular in the United States in the 1990s, with 275,949 births over the decade, 30% of all recorded babies named Nicholas. Its rise began around 1973, and it peaked in 1995. Half of all babies named Nicholas in the United States were born before 1992. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 3,571 births a year on average, against 5,380 in the five years before.
Nicholas in the United Kingdom
Nicholas was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 6,403 births over the decade, 39% of all recorded babies named Nicholas. Half of all babies named Nicholas in the United Kingdom were born before 2006, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 291 births a year on average, against 402 in the five years before.
Nicholas in Ireland
Nicholas in France
Nicholas in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Nicholas
Names from the same generation as Nicholas, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Nicholas? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Nicholas with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Nicholas side by side with the name of your choice.
Nicholas in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nicholas mean?
Nicholas comes from the Greek nike, "victory", and laos, "people".
What is the origin of the name Nicholas?
Greek. Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra in the 4th century, is the patron of children and sailors, and the model for Santa Claus.
Is Nicholas a girl's or a boy's name?
Nicholas is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Nicholas?
In 2024, Nicholas was the 117th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 3,025 births.
What are the variants of the name Nicholas?
Variants and related names of Nicholas include Colin, Colyne, Nicolle, Niels and Nils.
What are good sibling names for Nicholas?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Sarah, Melissa, Katherine and Alexandra for a sister, Steven, Andrew, Christopher and Zachary for a brother.
Who are famous people named Nicholas?
Nicholas Hoult, actor; Nicholas Sparks, novelist; Nicholas Lyndhurst, actor.