Girl · 1508th of 19,264
Nicol
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
2,231
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1970
Peak Popularity Year
130
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Nicol stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Nicol originates from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people'. It evolved through various forms including Nicolaus and Nicholas before becoming established in English as Nicol. The name is often associated with positive traits such as kindness and leadership, with historical relevance linked to Saint Nicholas. It has variants like Nick and Nikki, and remains popular in contemporary society.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈnɪkəl/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Nicol is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which means 'victory of the people'. The name is composed of the elements 'nikē' meaning 'victory' and 'laos' meaning 'people'.
Meaning
victory of the people
Language Evolution
Nikolaos (Greek), Nicolaus (Latin), Nicholas (Old French), Nicol (English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages, largely due to the veneration of Saint Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra, who was known for his generosity and became the model for Santa Claus.
Variants & Derivatives
Nicholas, Nick, Nikki, Nicola
Modern Popularity & Image
Nicol is perceived as a traditional yet modern name, often associated with kindness and leadership. It remains a popular choice in various cultures.
Famous People
Nicol Williamson (Scottish actor), Nicol David (Malaysian squash player), Nicolai Tesla (inventor and electrical engineer)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 130 peak births in 1970
Geographic Spread
Popular across 13 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 26 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 6 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6919th of 10718 | 28 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 7638th of 12526 | 39 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1508th of 19264 | 1,081 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4047th of 27321 | 374 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4641st of 35406 | 461 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5995th of 30306 | 248 |