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Nicolás vs Gael

Which is more popular?
Gael is more popular than Nicolás today: about 3,860 US babies were given the name Gael in 2025, compared with 2,053 named Nicolás.
NicolásGael
Meaning victory of the people uncertain; Breton 'generous'
Origin spanish spanish
Gender Boy Boy
Pronunciation nee-ko-LAHS gah-EL
Syllables 3 2
First appeared18821919
Peak year2003 (3,003)2024 (3,872)
In 20252,0533,860
TrendSteadyNear its peak
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Nicolás Gael
1900192019401960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeNicolásGael
2020s 11,843 21,645
2010s 21,216 20,344
2000s 28,267 6,911
1990s 21,219 97
1980s 10,268 6
1970s 3,870 0
1960s 1,388 0
1950s 1,041 8
1940s 694 30
1930s 567 23
1920s 749 10
1910s 367 5
1900s 51 0
1890s 19 0
1880s 26 0

What does Nicolás mean?

The Spanish form of Nicholas, from the Greek Nikolaos, combining nike 'victory' and laos 'people'. Popularized by Saint Nicholas of Myra, the 4th-century bishop who became the basis for Santa Claus.

What does Gael mean?

A name of disputed origin, now very popular in Spanish-speaking countries (notably through actor Gael García Bernal). It is usually tied to Brittany, either as a short form of the Breton Gwenael (gwenn 'white, blessed' + hael 'generous') or to the Gaels, the Celtic peoples. No single etymology is firmly established.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nicolás or Gael more popular?

Gael is more popular than Nicolás today: about 3,860 US babies were given the name Gael in 2025, compared with 2,053 named Nicolás.

What is the difference between Nicolás and Gael?

Nicolás means victory of the people (spanish origin), while Gael means uncertain; Breton 'generous' (spanish origin).

Which name is older, Nicolás or Gael?

In US records, Nicolás first appears in 1882 and Gael in 1919, so Nicolás has the longer recorded history.