What does Nicholas mean and where does it come from?
Nicholas is traditionally a male name but has also been adopted for females, particularly in modern times. It originates from the Greek name 'Nikólaos', where 'nikē' means 'victory' and 'laos' means 'people'. The name has been borne by various saints, most notably Saint Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra,
Cultural significance
Nicholas has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of victory of the people.
Peak popularity
Reached #5 in 1999 — currently #109 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Nicholas?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Nicholas?
Nicholas works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Nicholas Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Nicholas Rose
Floral · soft ending
Nicholas Mae
Sweet · timeless
Nicholas Claire
French influence · crisp
Nicholas Jane
Literary · strong
Nicholas Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Nicholas right now?
Declining — down 12 spots — currently #109 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #109 | 3,257 | ▼ down 12 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #97 | 3,639 | ▼ down 5 · -6% births |
| 2021 | #92 | 3,862 | ▼ down 5 · -4% births |
| 2020 | #87 | 4,024 | ▼ down 25 · -36% births |
| 2015 | #62 | 6,241 | ▼ down 25 · -35% births |
| 2010 | #37 | 9,641 | ▼ down 22 · -44% births |
| 2005 | #15 | 17,072 | ▼ down 9 · -31% births |
| 2000 | #6 | 24,652 | stable · -15% births |
| 1995 | #6 | 29,156 | ▲ up 8 · +4% births |
| 1990 | #14 | 27,908 | ▲ up 5 · +25% births |
| 1985 | #19 | 22,397 | ▼ down 2 · +7% births |
| 1980 | #17 | 21,026 | ▲ up 64 · +533% births |
| 1975 | #81 | 3,322 | ▲ up 42 · +23% births |
| 1970 | #123 | 2,702 | ▲ up 26 · +30% births |
| 1965 | #149 | 2,071 | — |
The story of Nicholas
Nicholas has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #5 in 1999, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 912K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #178 in 1880 to #109 in 2023. Nicholas is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Nicholas in 1999:
Nicholas by decade
Nicholas peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 730 | |
| 1890s | 857 | |
| 1900s | 1,334 | |
| 1910s | 10,253 | |
| 1920s | 13,702 | |
| 1930s | 9,755 | |
| 1940s | 15,532 | |
| 1950s | 22,661 | |
| 1960s | 22,454 | |
| 1970s | 65,513 | |
| 1980s | 224,724 | |
| 1990s ★ | 275,918 | |
| 2000s | 177,890 | |
| 2010s | 66,709 | |
| 2020s | 4,024 | |
What are good nicknames for Nicholas?
DANISH
CaiCajClausKaiKajKayKlausNelsNielsNils
DUTCH
KaiKlaasNickNicoNiek
ENGLISH
ColinCollinNicNickNickyNik
What names sound and feel like Nicholas?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nicholas also consider these
How is Nicholas written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Nicholas?
Common questions about the name Nicholas
What does the name Nicholas mean?
Nicholas means "victory of the people" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Nicholas?
Nicholas is currently ranked #109 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Nicholas?
Nicholas originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Nicholas?
Nicholas is a two-syllable name pronounced N IH1 K AH0 L AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Nicholas more of a girl or boy name?
Nicholas is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.