Mykola is a name of Ukrainian origin, derived from the Greek name Nikolaos. The name Nikolaos is composed of two elements: 'nī́ka', which means "victory", and 'ἀλῆ', which means "people". Thus, Mykola translates to "victorious people".
The name Mykola has a rich history and cultural significance in Ukraine. It was popularized by the Ukrainian national poet Taras Shevchenko, who used it as one of his pen names. The most famous bearer of the name is Mykhailo Hrushevsky, a prominent historian and the first president of the Central Rada, the parliament of the short-lived Ukrainian National Republic in 1917-1920.
Today, Mykola continues to be a popular name in Ukraine, often used alongside its diminutive forms such as Misha or Kolya. Despite its Ukrainian origin, variations of the name, like Nikolai and Nikolaos, are also found among other Slavic nations and beyond, reflecting its Greek roots and widespread usage throughout history.
The name Mykola has seen a steady presence in the United States over the past few decades, with five babies being named Mykola each year in 1991, 1997, and again in 2022. This consistent rate of fifteen births in total indicates that while not exceptionally popular, the name Mykola has maintained a stable level of popularity among parents in the United States during these specific years. It is fascinating to observe this steady trend over time.