Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Nicolas

Nicolas is a simple respelling of the more classically anglicized name Nicholas (without the “h”). Nicolas comes from the Greek name “Nikolaos” which is derived from “nikē” (victory) and “laos” (people). The “-ch” spelling first shows up in the 12th century but becomes firmly embedded by the 16th century. The legend of St. Nicholas developed in the 19th century from the Dutch figure of “Sinterklaas” (although St. Nicholas himself dates back to the 4th century). He is, not surprisingly, the patron saint of children. The name Nicholas in its various forms (including Nicolas) was popular throughout Europe by the 14th century, influenced mainly by saints and clergymen. Nicolas appears to be a favored spelling in France and among Spanish-speaking people where the name is rendered with an accent as Nicolás.

All About the Baby Name – Nicolas

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME NICOLAS

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME NICOLAS

The name Nicolas has never been quite as popular as Nicholas in the United States; in fact, the name has never once achieved a spot on the Top 100 list of most favored boys’ names. However, like his brother Nicholas, Nicolas (without the “h”) attained its highest positions on the charts in the late 1990s and early 2000s. American parents clearly prefer the spelling with an “h” but it just comes down to individual preference. Both names have waned a bit in terms of usage, but when you put the variations of the name together it is still a very popular choice for boys. Probably due to the association with Santa Claus (or St. Nick), Nicolas has a friendly, cheerful sound to it. The names Nick and even Nico are considered pet forms that have become popular alternatives in their own right. Still, the rolling three-syllable sound of Nicolas adds more dimension.

Quick Facts

ON NICOLAS

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

191

PRONUNCIATION:

NI-ka-lis

SIMPLE MEANING:

People of victory

Characteristics

OF NICOLAS

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Nicolas

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME NICOLAS

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME NICOLAS

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Nicolas


Popular Songs

ON NICOLAS

Nicolas
a song by Etron Fou Leloublan

La Rumba de Nicolas
a song by the Gipsy Kings

Famous People

NAMED NICOLAS

Nicolas Cage (actor)
Nicolas Sarkozy (President of France)

Children of Famous People

NAMED NICOLAS

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Nicolas

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME NICOLAS

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Nicolas