Nicholas is a popular given name of Latin origin that has been widely used throughout history. It comes from the Greek name Nikolaos, which is derived from the elements nike, meaning "victory," and laos, meaning "people." Thus, the name Nicholas means "victory of the people."
The name Nicholas has a rich history and has been borne by several notable figures throughout time. One of the most famous individuals to bear this name was Saint Nicholas, who was born in the 4th century AD in Patara, Lycia (modern-day Turkey). He is revered as a Christian saint and is the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, and many other groups. According to legend, Saint Nicholas performed many acts of kindness and charity throughout his life, including secretly leaving gifts for needy families at night.
Due to its association with Saint Nicholas, the name Nicholas has long been popular among Christians and has been particularly favored in countries with a strong Christian heritage. It was a common name among medieval European royalty and nobility, and several saints and historical figures have borne this name throughout history.
In literature, the name Nicholas has been used by numerous authors to create memorable characters. Some notable examples include Nicholas Nickleby, the protagonist of Charles Dickens' novel of the same name, and Nicholas van Orton, the main character in the film "The Game." The name has also been popular among celebrities, with famous bearers including actors Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult, musician Nick Jonas, and former U.S. President William McKinley.
Overall, the name Nicholas is a strong and classic choice that carries with it a rich history and significant cultural impact. Its meaning of "victory of the people" makes it an appealing option for parents looking for a name that signifies strength and triumph.
Nicholas has been a popular name for boys born in the United States since the late 19th century. From 1880 to 1899, there were fewer than 150 births each year with this name. However, by the early 20th century, popularity began to increase significantly.
In the 1910s and 1920s, the number of babies named Nicholas increased dramatically. Between 1912 and 1924, there were over 1,300 births each year with this name, peaking at nearly 1,500 births in 1921.
The popularity of the name continued to grow throughout much of the 20th century. By the 1960s and 1970s, there were over 2,000 births each year with this name. This trend continued until the mid-1970s when a significant spike occurred.
From 1977 onwards, the number of babies named Nicholas exploded. In just one year, from 1977 to 1978, the number of births increased by over 15,000, reaching nearly 16,342 in total. This trend continued throughout much of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Between 1980 and 1990 alone, there were over two million babies named Nicholas born in the United States. The popularity of this name has remained consistent ever since, with over 4,000 births each year between 2000 and 2023.
Overall, from 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 919,811 babies named Nicholas born in the United States. This makes it one of the most popular boy's names in American history.