Nicholas
Nicholas first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1995, when 29,160 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 3,115.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Nicholas popular?
Declining Nicholas is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1995 peak.
| 2020s | 20,988 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 66,811 | |
| 2000s | 177,609 | |
| 1990s | 275,329 | |
| 1980s | 223,308 | |
| 1970s | 65,068 | |
| 1960s | 22,339 | |
| 1950s | 22,614 | |
| 1940s | 15,503 | |
| 1930s | 9,716 | |
| 1920s | 13,608 | |
| 1910s | 10,233 | |
| 1900s | 1,334 | |
| 1890s | 857 | |
| 1880s | 730 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Nicholas mean?
Nicholas comes from the Greek for “victory of the people.” St Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop famed for secret gift-giving, became the model for Santa Claus.
Nicknames for Nicholas
- Nick
- Nicky
- Cole
Variants & spellings
- Nikolas
- Nicolas
- Nikolai
Names like Nicholas
Greek names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Nicholas
Popular Greek names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Nicholas
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nicholas mean?
Nicholas means Victory of the people. Nicholas comes from the Greek for “victory of the people.” St Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop famed for secret gift-giving, became the model for Santa Claus.
What is the origin of the name Nicholas?
Nicholas is of Greek origin.
How do you pronounce Nicholas?
Nicholas is pronounced “NIK-uh-lus.”
Is Nicholas a boy or a girl name?
Nicholas is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Nicholas a popular name right now?
Nicholas is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1995 peak.
How popular is the name Nicholas?
In 2025, Nicholas ranked #112 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Nicholas most popular?
Nicholas was most popular in 1995, when about 29,160 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Nicholas?
Common nicknames for Nicholas include Nick, Nicky, Cole.
What names are similar to Nicholas?
Names similar to Nicholas include Alexander, Sebastian, Christopher, Dominic.
What names go well with Nicholas?
Greek names that pair well with Nicholas include Christopher, Cynthia, Andrew, Helen, Timothy.