Nicholas
Nicholas is a boy name of Greek origin meaning “Victory of the people”, pronounced NIK-uh-lus. It ranked #112 in the United States in 2025, given to 3,115 babies, and peaked at #5 in 1999. Common nicknames: Nick, Nicky, Nico.
How popular is Nicholas in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Nicholas mean, and where does it come from?
Nicholas comes from the Greek name Nikolaos, composed of "nike" (victory) and "laos" (people). The name's enduring popularity owes much to Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity, who became the basis for the Santa Claus legend. The name was borne by five popes and two Russian tsars, cementing its association with leadership and authority. Nicholas was one of the top 10 boy names in the United States throughout the 1990s and remains widely used across the Western world.
How is Nicholas used around the world?
Nicholas is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 37+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Nicholas?
Famous People Named Nicholas
- Nicholas Copernicus — Polish astronomer who proposed the heliocentric model
- Nicolas Cage — American actor and Academy Award winner
- Nikolai Gogol — Russian-Ukrainian novelist and playwright
Similar Names to Nicholas
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Sibling Name Ideas for Nicholas
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Nicholas mean?
Nicholas is a boy name of Greek origin meaning "Victory of the people." Nicholas comes from the Greek name Nikolaos, composed of "nike" (victory) and "laos" (people). The name's enduring popularity owes much to Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity, who became the basis for the Santa Claus legend.
How do you pronounce Nicholas?
Nicholas is pronounced NIK-uh-lus. Common variations include Nicolas, Nikolas, Nicolaus.
Is Nicholas a boy name?
Yes, Nicholas is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Nick, Nicky, Nico, Cole.