Nikolaos

Nikolaos (Νικόλαος) is a traditional Greek male first name that represents the original form of the more commonly known Latinized name Nikolaus. Translated into English, it means 'the victory of the people' or 'the victor over the people.' This name has its roots in the ancient Greek language and is composed of the elements níkē (νίκη), which means 'victory,' and laós (λαός), which stands for 'the people,' 'the army,' or 'the war people.'

What does the name Nikolaos mean?

Nikolaos (Νικόλαος) is an ancient Greek male name and the original form of the more commonly known Latinized Nikolaus. The English translation is 'the victory of the people' or 'the victor over the people.' The name has its origins in the ancient Greek language and is made up of the elements níkē (νίκη) meaning 'victory' and laós (λαός) meaning 'the people,' 'the army,' or 'the war people.' The name is especially popular in maritime regions of Greece, as St. Nicholas is revered there as the patron saint of sailors and protector of ships. Saint Nicholas was a historical Christian saint from the 4th century and bishop of Myra in Lycia. Notable variants include Nikolas (Νικόλας), Nikola, Nicola, as well as the short forms Niklas, Niclas, Nicklas, Nic, Nik, Nick, Nico, and Niko.

Where does the name Nikolaos come from?

The name Nikolaos has its origins in ancient Greek and means 'the victory of the people' or 'the victor over the people.'

How do you pronounce Nikolaos?

The pronunciation of Nikolaos is multifaceted and can be described as four to three syllables. In German, it is usually pronounced as 'Ni-ko-la-os' [nikoˈlaːɔs]. The first syllable begins with a short or long I sound that conveys brightness. The middle syllable has an open A sound, while the ending '-os' provides a distinct, slightly weighted conclusion. Nikolaos conveys a classic and dignified impression - a name with historical significance and clear presence.

When is the name day of Nikolaos?

The name day for Nikolaos is celebrated on December 6.

Popularity

In Germany, Nikolaos is among the popular first names. Currently, it ranks 678th on the list of the most common male baby names. Its best placement was in 1934 when it reached 147th place. In the last ten years, Nikolaos has been used as a first name about 690 times, placing it 705th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 690th.

Nicknames & pet names

Nick / Niko / Nikolette / Nikos

Famous people

• Nikolaos Aggelakis (football player from Greece)
• Nikolaos Anastasopoulos (football player from Greece)
• Nikolaos Anastopoulos (Greek football player)
• Nikolaos Balanos (architect from Greece)
• Nikolaos Christogiannopoulos (English fencer)
• Nikolaos Dabizas (football player from Greece)
• Nikolaos Doxaras (English artist)
• Nikolaos Foskolos (archbishop)
• Nikolaos Georgiadis (Greek football player)
• Nikolaos Georgopoulos (Greek sprinter)
• Nikolaos Kabasilas (theologian)
• Nikolaos Karelis (footballer from Greece)
• Nikolaos Koukalias (football player from Greece)
• Nikolaos Lazaridis (Greek football player)
• Nikolaos Machlas (Greek football player)
• Nikolaos Nakas (German footballer)
• Nikolaos Nioplias (football player from Greece)
• Nikolaos Paparrodou (fencer from Spain)
• Nikolaos Psarros (philosopher from Greece)
• Nikolaos Samaras (Greek handball player)