nikolaos

Nikolaos is a male given name of Greek origin, derived from the elements Nike, meaning “victory,” and laos, meaning “people.” In English, the closest equivalent is Nicholas, while in modern Greek the form Nikolaos is common and its informal form Nikos is widely used.

The name has deep historical roots in the Greek-speaking world and the Christian East. The most famous bearer is Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop who became a widely venerated patron saint of sailors, merchants, and children. In Greek, his name is Agios Nikolaos, and his feast day is December 6. The figure contributed to the Christmas tradition of Santa Claus, though the modern character blends various cultural influences.

In contemporary Greece, Nikolaos remains a popular given name across generations, found among politicians, writers, scientists, and athletes. Notable bearers include Nikolaos Plastiras, a 20th-century general and prime minister, and the writer Nikos Kazantzakis, whose full name is Nikolaos Kazantzakis and who is commonly known by the short form Nikos in public life.

The name has many variants in other languages, such as Nicolas in French and Spanish, Nikolaus in German, and Nikolai in Russian and other Slavic languages. As a given name, Nikolaos continues to be widely used in Greek-speaking communities and the Greek diaspora.