 | |
| Pronunciation | /ˈnɪkələs/ |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Origin | |
| Language(s) | Greek |
| Meaning | Victory of the people |
| Other names | |
| Derived |
|
| Related names | Miklós, Mikalai, Nicander, Nicanor, Niccolò, Nickolas, Nico, Nicol, Nicola, Nicolaas, Nicolae, Nicolao, Nicolas, Nicolau, Nicolay, Nicole, Nicolle, Nikita, Niklas, Nikola, Nikolai, Nikolaos, Nikolas, Nikolaus, Nikolla, Nikollë, Nikos |
Nicholas is a male name, the Anglophone version of an ancient Greek name in use since antiquity, and cognate with the modern Greek Νικόλαος, Nikolaos. It originally derived from a combination of two Greek words meaning 'victory' and 'people'. In turn, the name means "victory of the people."
The name has been widely used in countries with significant Christian populations, owing in part to the veneration of Saint Nicholas, which became increasingly prominent in Western Europe from the 11th century. Revered as a saint in many Christian denominations, the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican Churches all celebrate Saint Nicholas Day on December 6. In maritime regions throughout Europe, the name and its derivatives have been especially popular, as St Nicholas is considered the protector saint of seafarers. This remains particularly so in Greece, where St Nicholas is the patron saint of the Hellenic Navy.[1][2]
- ^ "Greece". St. Nicholas Center. Archived from the original on 14 December 2022.
- ^ English, Adam C. (2012). "Death Is Only the Beginning". The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The true life and trials of Nicholas of Myra. Waco, Texas (USA): Baylor University Press. pp. 165–191. ISBN 978-1-60258-634-5.