Nicolaus

Nicolaus is a variant of the first name Nikolaus and is used in both German and Greek.

What does the name Nicolaus mean?

The name Nicolaus has its roots in the Greek Nikolaos or Nikólaos (Νικόλαος) and stands for the meanings 'the victory of the people' as well as 'the victor over the people'. These derived terms come from the ancient Greek language and consist of the elements níkē (νίκη), meaning 'the victory', and laós (λαός), which stands for 'the people', 'the army', or 'the war people'. Additionally, the name is also used as a surname or middle name. Common variants include Nicolas, Nikola, Nicola as well as the short forms Niklas, Niclas, Nicklas, Nic, Nik, Nick, Nico, and Niko. The first name became particularly well-known through Saint Nicholas, who served as the Bishop of Myra in Lycia in the 3rd and 4th centuries.

Where does the name Nicolaus come from?

The first name Nicolaus has ancient Greek roots and means 'the victory of the people' or 'the victor over the people'.

How do you pronounce Nicolaus?

The pronunciation of Nicolaus is three syllables and has a classic emphasis. The name is pronounced as 'Ni-co-laus' [ˈniːkolaʊ̯s] and begins with a clear, elongated 'i' that conveys a certain openness. The middle syllable is softly integrated, while the diphthong '-laus' at the end provides a lively and slightly ceremonial conclusion. Nicolaus radiates a traditional and dignified aura that is deeply rooted in history.

When is the name day of Nicolaus?

The name day for Nicolaus is celebrated on December 6.

Popularity

In Germany, Nicolaus is among the common first names. In 2019, it ranked 2,725th in the list of the most common male first names. Its best placement was in 2014 when it ranked 1,715th. Over the last ten years, Nicolaus has been given as a first name about 40 times, placing it 3,888th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 3,441st.

Nicknames & pet names

Claus / Clausi / Lauser / Lausi / Nic / Nico

Similar first names

Famous people

• Christian Nicolaus Bruhn (theologian)
• Christian Nicolaus Naumann (German poet)
• Friedrich Nicolaus Brauns (German composer)
• Johann Nicolaus Anton (theologian from Germany)
• Johann Nicolaus Frobesius (German philosopher)
• Johann Nicolaus Hanff (German composer)
• Johann Nicolaus Horst (German theologian)
• Johann Nicolaus Mempel (composer from Germany)
• Nicolaus Bachmann (painter from Germany)
• Nicolaus Bleyer (German composer)
• Nicolaus Christian Friis (writer from Lebanon)
• Nicolaus Comnenus Papadopoli (Italian historian)
• Nicolaus de Tudeschis (Italian theologian)
• Nicolaus Dedelow (theologian)
• Nicolaus Hasse (German composer)
• Nicolaus Höniger (writer from Germany)
• Nicolaus Maurus (theologian from Germany)
• Nicolaus Nieremberger (theologian from Germany)
• Nicolaus Reimers (German astronomer)
• Nicolaus Schmidt (German artist)