William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Nicola
UnisexItalian, Greek· “victory of the people”
- Meaning
- victory of the people
- Origin
- Italian, Greek
- Pronunciation
- NIK-uh-luh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #3,920
- US babies 2025
- 28
- Best rank
- #1,124 (1972)
- Peak year
- 1972
Meaning and origin of Nicola
Nicola is an Italian and Greek name that means “victory of the people”.
Nicola has two separate lives. In Italy it is a man's name, the Italian form of Nicholas, from Greek Nikolaos, "victory of the people," and it is said nee-KOH-lah. In Britain, Ireland and Australia it became a popular girl's name, the feminine counterpart of Nicholas, usually said NIK-uh-luh. American usage mixes both. Saint Nicholas, the bishop of Myra behind the Santa Claus tradition, stands behind every form. Nicole and Nicolette are close relatives, and Nicky or Nic works for either sex. Families choosing it may want to decide early which pronunciation they intend.
Popularity over time
Nicola first appears in US Social Security records in 1908. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,124 in 1972, the same year it reached its highest count of 53 babies. In 2025, 28 babies were named Nicola, and it ranked #3,920 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,536 in 1920, #2,172 in 1950, #1,839 in 1980, #2,284 in 2000, #4,332 in 2010, and #3,920 in 2025. Of the 3,012 US boys named Nicola since records began, 15% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 413 babies. Since 2010, 435 more have been named Nicola.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Karry, Tobie, Temple, Torrance, and Nyree.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nicola ranked highest in Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #1583 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Nicola is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 45% of US babies named Nicola were girls and 55% were boys.
Nicola is usually pronounced NIK-uh-luh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with N and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Nicola
A few middle names that flow with Nicola: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nicola
Similar names
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Lists that include Nicola
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nicola mean?
Nicola is an Italian and Greek name that means “victory of the people”.
What is the origin of the name Nicola?
Nicola has Italian and Greek roots. Nicola has two separate lives.
Is Nicola a popular name?
Not especially. Nicola ranked #3,920 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Nicola a boy or girl name?
Nicola is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 45% of US babies named Nicola were girls and 55% were boys.
How do you pronounce Nicola?
Nicola is usually pronounced NIK-uh-luh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings