Nicola is a unisex given name of Latin origin, derived from the male given name Nicholas. The name Nicholas itself comes from the Greek name Nikolaos, which means "victory of the people." This name was popular among early Christians due to Saint Nicholas, who was a bishop in Myra (modern-day Turkey) during the 4th century. He is revered as a saint by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
In Italy, Nicola is traditionally considered a male given name, while in France and Belgium, it is commonly used for girls. The female form of the name is Nicole or Nicoline.
Throughout history, Nicola has been associated with various historical figures and notable individuals. For instance, Nicola di Lerno was an Italian painter during the late Renaissance period. There's also Nicola Zingarelli, an Italian composer known for his compositions in the Neapolitan style.
Despite its popularity in some regions, Nicola remains relatively uncommon as a given name globally. However, it has been used by various cultures throughout history and continues to be chosen by parents today due to its strong meaning and rich historical significance.
The name Nicola experienced fluctuating popularity over the decades. It started with a consistent but low number of births from 1920 to 1949, ranging from 5 to 50 per year. The peak occurred between 1967 and 1972, with a high of 183 births in 1972. After the mid-1970s, there was a steady decline until it reached single digits in the early 2000s. Since then, it has maintained a consistent but low popularity, with fewer than 20 births per year on average.