Nicolas

“Νικόλαος (Nikolaos)”

France origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#193US 2023

1.9kBirths / yr

→Stable

91.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 193200

How to pronounce Nicolas

nee-kaw-la

/nee-kaw-la/ · · 3 syllables

“Νικόλαος (Nikolaos)”

France origin · Unisex name

What does Nicolas mean and where does it come from?

Nicolas is an adaptation of the masculine name Nicholas, which has Greek origins, specifically 'Νικόλαος' (Nikolaos), meaning 'victory of the people.' While traditionally a male name, there are instances of it being used as a female name, particularly in modern naming trends. The name has a long and

Cultural significance

Nicolas has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of νικόλαος (nikolaos).

Peak popularity

Reached #4472 in 1932 — currently #193 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Nicolas?

Nicolas works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Nicolas Grace

How popular is Nicolas right now?

Holding steady — currently #193 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#193 · Top 0.14%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#193	1,897	▼ down 2 · -5% births
2022	#191	1,989	▼ down 2 · -1% births
2021	#189	2,008	▲ up 14888 · +40060% births
2000	#15077	5	▼ down 4523 · -29% births
1995	#10554	7	▲ up 895 · +17% births
1990	#11449	6	▼ down 5397 · -45% births
1985	#6052	11	▲ up 300 · +10% births
1980	#6352	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Nicolas

Best Year2021Rank #189

Peak Count2,008

Average Rank#6257

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 20238 years

The story of Nicolas

Nicolas entered American naming records in 1932 and has been in use for over 92 years. A total of 91,751 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6352 in 1980 to #193 in 2023. Nicolas is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Nicolas in 1932:

Mary Betty Barbara Dorothy Joan

Nicolas by decade

Nicolas peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	26
1890s	19
1900s	51
1910s	367
1920s	749
1930s	572
1940s	694
1950s	1,043
1960s	1,392
1970s	3,877
1980s	10,335
1990s	21,259
2000s ★	28,303
2010s	21,189
2020s	1,875

What are good nicknames for Nicolas?

CROATIAN

NikicaNikoNikša

DANISH

CaiCajClausKaiKajKayKlausNelsNielsNils

DUTCH

KaiKlaasNickNicoNiek

ENGLISH

ColinCollinNicNickNickyNik

What names sound and feel like Nicolas?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nicolas also consider these

Nicholas

Greece · victory of the

Nickolas

Greece · victory of the

Niccolas

Greece · Greek

Nikolas

Greece · victory of the

Greece · victory of the

How is Nicolas written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Nicolas

What does the name Nicolas mean?

Nicolas means "Νικόλαος (Nikolaos)" — a name rooted in France 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 Nicolas?

Nicolas is currently ranked #193 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Nicolas?

Nicolas originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

What sibling names go well with Nicolas?

Nicolas pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar France heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.

Is Nicolas more of a girl or boy name?

Nicolas is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.