nicole

Nicole is a feminine given name with origins in the Greek name Nikolaos, which means "victory of the people." It is the feminine form of Nicolas and has long been used in France and in English-speaking countries. The name has several cognates, including Nicola and Nicolette, and it has been adopted in various Western European languages with local spellings.

In addition to Nicole, related forms include Nicola, Nicolette, and Nicolle. Common nicknames and diminutives include Nic, Nikki, Nicky, and, less commonly, Cole. Pronunciation varies by language; in English Nicole is typically pronounced ni-KOHL, while in French the form is often pronounced nee-KOHL.

Notable people named Nicole include actress Nicole Kidman, singer Nicole Scherzinger, and television personality Nicole Richie. Nicole Brown Simpson is notable as the victim in the O. J. Simpson murder case. The name has appeared in literature and film and remains in regular use worldwide.

As a given name, Nicole is primarily female and is rarely used as a surname. Its continued popularity is seen in many Francophone and Anglophone cultures, and it persists in new generations alongside its variants.