Nicolás

Nicolás is a masculine given name used primarily in Spanish-speaking countries. It is borne by many historical and contemporary figures and often appears in religious and cultural contexts associated with Saint Nicholas.

Etymology and variants: Nicolás derives from the Greek given name Nikolaos, formed from nike (victory) and laos (people), meaning “victory of the people.” The name’s Latinized form is Nicolaus. Variants in other languages include Nicolas (French, English) and Nicolau (Portuguese/older forms). A feminine form in Spanish is Nicolasa. In Catholic tradition, Saint Nicholas (San Nicolás) has helped popularize the name across Christian cultures.

Usage and cultural context: Nicolás has been a common name in Spain and across Latin America for centuries, reflecting historical naming patterns influenced by saints and European naming conventions. The name is widely used in literature, media, and public life, and it often appears with regional nicknames and diminutives.

Notable people: Notable individuals named Nicolás span politics, sports, literature, and science. Examples include Nicolás Maduro Moros, the Venezuelan politician who has served as president; Nicolás Otamendi, an Argentine footballer; Nicolás Almagro, a Spanish tennis player; Nicolás Guillén, a Cuban poet; and Nicolás Copérnico (Nicolás Copérnico in Spanish), the Renaissance-era astronomer known for heliocentric theory. The name also appears in various other professions and historical figures across the Spanish-speaking world.

See also: Saint Nicholas; Nicolás (disambiguation) for other uses of the name in geography and culture.