William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Nicolas
BoyGreek, French· “victory of the people”
- Meaning
- victory of the people
- Origin
- Greek, French
- Pronunciation
- NIH-kuh-luhs
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #177
- US babies 2025
- 2,053
- Best rank
- #132 (1998)
- Peak year
- 2003
Meaning and origin of Nicolas
Nicolas is a Greek and French name that means “victory of the people”.
Nicolas is the French, Spanish and Portuguese spelling of Nicholas, from the Greek Nikolaos, "victory of the people." The name was spread by Saint Nicholas of Myra, the fourth-century bishop whose legends of generosity inspired the figure of Santa Claus. Many European kings and emperors bore it, including the Russian tsars named Nicholas. The spelling without an h feels slightly continental in English and is common among families with French or Latin American ties. Nicolas is classic and approachable, and it offers a choice of nicknames such as Nico, Nick, Nicky and Colin.
Other spellings with the same sound: Nicholas.
Popularity over time
Nicolas first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 118 different years, starting in 1885. Its best national rank was #132 in 1998, and the most babies received it in 2003, when 3,003 were named Nicolas. In 2025, 2,053 babies were named Nicolas, and it ranked #177 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #804 in 1920, #713 in 1950, #260 in 1980, #137 in 2000, #163 in 2010, and #177 in 2025. Of the 101,585 US boys named Nicolas since records began, 28% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 21,219 babies. Since 2010, 33,059 more have been named Nicolas.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Gage, Ivan, Cesar, Donovan, and Dominick.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nicolas ranked highest in California, Texas, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #101 | 401 |
| Texas | #105 | 387 |
| Florida | #105 | 212 |
| New Jersey | #110 | 90 |
| Massachusetts | #145 | 50 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Nicolas is usually pronounced NIH-kuh-luhs, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with N and ends in “-as”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Nicholas.
Middle names for Nicolas
A few middle names that flow with Nicolas: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nicolas
Similar names
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muh-TY-uhs
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Lists that include Nicolas
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nicolas mean?
Nicolas is a Greek and French name that means “victory of the people”.
What is the origin of the name Nicolas?
Nicolas has Greek, French, and Spanish roots. Nicolas is the French, Spanish and Portuguese spelling of Nicholas, from the Greek Nikolaos, "victory of the people." The name was spread by Saint Nicholas of Myra, the fourth-century bishop whose legends of generosity inspired the figure of Santa Claus.
Is Nicolas a popular name?
Yes. Nicolas ranked #177 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Nicolas a boy or girl name?
Nicolas is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Nicolas?
Nicolas is usually pronounced NIH-kuh-luhs. 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