Nikolaos is of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "nikē" meaning victory, and "lāōs" meaning people. This name was borne by several saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church, including Saint Nikolaos of Myra, also known as Santa Claus, who was famous for his generosity and kindness. In many cultures, Nikolaos is associated with goodwill and benevolence. The name has been widely used throughout history, with notable figures such as Nikolaos I, Byzantine Emperor from 802 to 811, and Nikolaos III, Byzantine Emperor from 1078 to 1081. In the modern era, individuals named Nikolaos have made significant contributions in various fields, including Nikolaos Kouris, a Greek mathematician, and Nikolaos Samios, a Greek-American physicist who contributed to the development of plasma physics. Today, Nikolaos remains a popular name among Greek families and has been adopted by other cultures as well.
The name Nikolaos experienced significant fluctuations in popularity from the 1960s to 2023, with a total of 1972 births recorded over this period. The name's popularity peaked in recent years, with 56 births in 2021 and 50 births in 2023 being among the highest on record. However, it's noteworthy that there were fewer than 25 births in some years between 1987 and 1994, indicating a period of reduced popularity for this name during that time. Overall, while Nikolaos has seen ups and downs in its usage as a baby name, it has maintained a relatively steady presence over the past six decades.