Nicholas
Nicholas: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈnɪk.ə.ləs/ · /ˈnɪk.ləs/
Meaning and origin of Nicholas
- A male given name from Ancient Greek, notably born by St. Nicholas of Myre, on whom Father Christmas is based.
Etymology
From Middle English Nicholas, from Old French Nicholas, from Latin Nīcolāus, from Ancient Greek Νικόλαος (Nikólaos), from νίκη (níkē, “victory”) + λαός (laós, “people”).
How popular is Nicholas?
Since 1880, 3,152 girls and 926,047 boys in the U.S. have been named Nicholas (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #960 in 1985. Its highest rank for boys was #5 in 1999. In 2025 it ranked #112 for boys, with 3,123 babies given the name.
Names similar to Nicholas
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Greek boy names
Sibling name ideas for Nicholas
Sister and brother names that share Nicholas's Greek roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Nicholas FAQ
What does the name Nicholas mean?
A male given name from Ancient Greek, notably born by St. Nicholas of Myre, on whom Father Christmas is based. From Middle English Nicholas, from Old French Nicholas, from Latin Nīcolāus, from Ancient Greek Νικόλαος (Nikólaos), from νίκη (níkē, “victory”) + λαός (laós, “people”).
What is the origin of the name Nicholas?
Nicholas is listed as a name of Greek origin.
How popular is the name Nicholas?
Since 1880, 3,152 girls and 926,047 boys in the U.S. have been named Nicholas (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #960 in 1985. Its highest rank for boys was #5 in 1999. In 2025 it ranked #112 for boys, with 3,123 babies given the name.
Is Nicholas a boy or girl name?
Nicholas is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 3,152 girls and 926,047 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.