Boy · 4524th of 16,616
Nicolaas
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
398
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1996
Peak Popularity Year
22
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Nicolaas 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
Nicolaas is a Greek-origin name meaning 'victory of the people'. It evolved from Nikolaos in Greek to Nicolaus in Latin and later to Nicolaas in Dutch. The name is often associated with traits of generosity and kindness, partly due to its biblical connections through Saint Nicholas. It has remained popular throughout history and continues to be well-regarded in modern times.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/nɪˈkoʊləs/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Nicolaas is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which is composed of the elements 'nikē' meaning 'victory' and 'laos' meaning 'people'. Thus, the name translates to 'victory of the people'.
Meaning
victory of the people
Language Evolution
Nikolaos (Greek), Nicolaus (Latin), Nicolaas (Dutch)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the early Christian era, particularly due to Saint Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra, who became a popular figure in Christianity and is the basis for the modern Santa Claus.
Variants & Derivatives
Nicholas, Nicolas, Cole, Nick
Modern Popularity & Image
Nicolaas is viewed positively, often associated with generosity and kindness due to its connection with Saint Nicholas.
Famous People
Nicolaas Copernicus, Nicolaas Beets, Nicolaas van der Waay
Trend Analysis
Boy 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 22 peak births in 1996
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 22 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 5 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6703rd of 10718 | 31 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4524th of 16616 | 167 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6701st of 24088 | 169 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 15315th of 23106 | 26 |