The boy's name Nicholas \n(i)-cho-las\ is pronounced NIK-oh-lus. It is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "people of victory". Biblical: one of seven "qualified men" in the first-century Christian congregation. Saint Nicholas (fourth century) is known as the patron saint of Greece and Russia, children, scholars, sailors, and pawnbrokers, and (via his Dutch name, Sinte Klaas) the original Santa Claus. Five popes and two emperors of Russia have borne the name. Nicholai, Nicolai, Niklos are Slavic forms; Nickolaus, Nikolaus are German; Nikolai is Polish, Russian; Niccolo, Nicoli, Nicolo are Italian; Nikolos is Greek; Nils is Swedish; Niels is Danish. Theatre director Nikos Psacharapolous; Dickens' novel "Nicholas Nickleby"; actors Nicholas Cage, Nikolas Grace, Nicol Williamson; composer Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov; political philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli.

ORIGIN
Greek

MEANING
Victorious people

The most famous bearer of the name is the fifth century patron saint of children, also known as Santa Claus. In the New Testament, Nicolaus is mentioned as a deacon. An enduring name in the U.S. Broke into the top 100 in 1972, peaking at No. 6. Actor Nicolas Cage uses the Spanish variation.

VARIATIONS
Nikki Nicola Nicole

ALTERNATIVES
Nicolaas Nikolas Nikolaus Nikkolas Nicholaus Nickolas Nicolas Nicolaus

NICKNAMES
Nicol Nick Nichols Cole Nicky Nico Colas

FAMOUS Nicholass
Nicolaus Copernicus (astronomer) "Nicholas Nickleby" (Charles Dickens novel)

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