Nicholas: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Nicholas mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Greek: Victory of the people
English: People's champion

Gender: Male

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Nicholas is pronounced NIK-oh-lus

The name Nicholas has been derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which means "victory of the people," from the elements nike ("victory") and laos ("people"). Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop, is one of the most famous bearers of this name, known for his acts of charity and the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus. Nike is also the name of the Greek goddess of victory.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English and Dutch: from the personal name (Greek Nikolaos, from nikān "to conquer" + laos "people"). Forms with -ch- are due to hypercorrection (compare Anthony). The name in various vernacular forms was popular among Christians throughout Europe in the Middle Ages, largely as a result of the fame of a 4th-century Lycian bishop, about whom a large number of legends grew up, and who was venerated in the Orthodox Church as well as the Catholic. In English-speaking countries, this surname is also found as an Americanized form of various Greek surnames such as Papanikolaou "(son of) Nicholas the priest" and patronymics such as Nikolopoulos.

American: the colonial official and revolutionary patriot Robert Carter Nicholas was from a prominent VA family on both sides. His father was a British navy surgeon who emigrated in about 1700 from Lancashire, England, to Williamsburg, VA.

Famous people with this first name

Nicholas Cage

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Nicholas in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Nicholas Angel from Hot Fuzz – A dedicated and highly skilled police officer who is transferred to a seemingly crime-free village.
Nicholas Brody from Homeland – A former Marine Sergeant who returns home after being held captive by terrorists, only to be suspected of being a double agent.
Nicholas Blake from Peak Practice – A GP who works in the rural Derbyshire village of Cardale.
Nicholas Bradford from Eight Is Enough – The youngest son of the Bradford family, known for his playful and mischievous personality.
Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington (Nearly Headless Nick) from Harry Potter – The friendly ghost of Gryffindor House who is nearly headless due to an incomplete decapitation.

Popularity of the Name Nicholas

According to the Social Security Administration data, Nicholas has had a notable presence in baby name rankings over the years. It has often been within the top 100 names in the U.S., demonstrating its enduring appeal.

The name Nicholas is of Greek origin, meaning "victory of the people," and it has been borne by many significant historical figures. One of the most famed Nicholases is Saint Nicholas, who inspired the legend of Santa Claus, the patron saint of schoolchildren, mechanics, sailors, scholars, brides, bakers, travelers, and Russia.. In literature and media, Nicholas has been a popular choice for characters such as Nicholas Nickleby from Charles Dickens' novel Nicholas Nickleby, and Nicholas Brody from the TV series Homeland. Actors like Nicholas Cage and writers like Nicholas Sparks have also contributed to the name's popularity and recognition.