Nicolas

Nicolas is a masculine given name of Greek origin, common in many European countries. It derives from the Greek name Nikolaos, formed from nike, meaning “victory,” and laos, meaning “people,” together conveying “victory of the people.” The French spelling is Nicolas, with other variants including Nicola, Nicolae, Nikolaos, Nikolas, Nikolai, and Nicholas.

Usage of Nicolas is widespread across French-speaking regions and extends to Spanish-, Italian-, Dutch-, and Portuguese-speaking communities, where forms such as Nicolás, Nicolau, Nicolo, and Nicola appear. The name’s enduring popularity is aided by Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop venerated in Western Christianity, who fostered cultural associations that spread across Europe and beyond. In modern times, Nicolas remains a common given name; it is sometimes used as a surname, and diminutives such as Nico or Nick are common in informal contexts.

Notable individuals with the name include actor Nicolas Cage (born Nicolas Coppola, 1964), French politician Nicolas Sarkozy (born 1955), French footballer Nicolas Anelka (born 1979), French basketball player Nicolas Batum (born 1988), Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn (born 1970), and painter Nicolas Poussin (1594–1665). The Spanish form Nicolás is associated with figures such as Nicolás Maduro Moros, president of Venezuela. The name remains widely used today in many cultures, reflecting its historical roots and international variations.