What does Nicolaas mean and where does it come from?
Nicolaas is a Dutch form of the name Nicholas, derived from the Greek name 'Nikolaos' (Νικόλαος). The meaning of the name is rooted in 'nikē' (victory) and 'laos' (people). It has been borne by various saints and historical figures, including Saint Nicholas, known for his generosity and now associat
Cultural significance
Nicolaas has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Netherlands-speaking communities, where it reflects values of victory of the people.
Peak popularity
Reached #3244 in 1996 — currently #11609 in the US.
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Related Reading
Netherlands-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Nicolaas?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
How popular is Nicolaas right now?
Falling — down 10287 spots — currently #11609 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #11609 | 6 | ▼ down 10287 · -99% births |
| 2023 | #1322 | 878 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1327 | 858 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1332 | 828 | ▲ up 11042 · +16460% births |
| 2015 | #12374 | 5 | ▼ down 3395 · -37% births |
| 2010 | #8979 | 8 | ▼ down 3333 · -43% births |
| 2005 | #5646 | 14 | ▲ up 1339 · +56% births |
| 2000 | #6985 | 9 | ▼ down 3222 · -47% births |
| 1995 | #3763 | 17 | ▲ up 2910 · +143% births |
| 1990 | #6673 | 7 | ▼ down 1233 |
| 1985 | #5440 | 7 | ▼ down 1902 · -42% births |
| 1980 | #3538 | 12 | ▲ up 1035 · +140% births |
| 1960 | #4573 | 5 | — |
The story of Nicolaas
Nicolaas entered American naming records in 1960 and has been in use for over 64 years. With 398 total births recorded, Nicolaas remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4573 in 1960 to #1322 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Nicolaas in 1996:
Nicolaas by decade
Nicolaas peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 19 | |
| 1980s | 92 | |
| 1990s ★ | 131 | |
| 2000s | 102 | |
| 2010s | 49 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎Nicolaas has only 398 total recorded births since 1960 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Nicolaas?
DANISH
CaiCajClausKaiKajKayKlausNelsNielsNils
DUTCH
KaiKlaasNickNicoNiek
ENGLISH
ColinCollinNicNickNickyNik
How is Nicolaas written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Nicolaas?
Common questions about the name Nicolaas
What does the name Nicolaas mean?
Nicolaas means "Victory of the people" — a name rooted in Netherlands 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 Nicolaas?
Nicolaas is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Nicolaas?
Nicolaas originates from Netherlands tradition. Netherlands 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 Nicolaas?
Nicolaas is a three-syllable name pronounced NEE-koh-LAHZ. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Nicolaas?
Nicolaas pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Netherlands heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.