Nicholas
How to say it: NIK-uh-lus · /ˈnɪkələs/
Victory of the people — from the Greek Nikolaos, combining nike (victory) and laos (people).
Nicholas was the 59th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 3,115 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1990s, its births are down about 37% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #83 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #59 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 3,115 |
| Share of births | 1 in 567 |
| Peak decade | 1990s |
| Change over 10 years | −37% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #83 |
| In France, 2025 | #265 among boys’ names, 0 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Falling far from its summit in the 1990s, Nicholas keeps thinning. Additional softening lies ahead.
What goes with it
Layered and resonant with a soft breathy close, Nicholas carries a saintly classic aura and strength. Nico provides a lively short form.
Middle names that flow with Nicholas →
Parents who love Nicholas also love
Nicknames
- Nick
- Nicky
- Nico
- Cole
Honouring a Nicholas in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Nicholas is about 1 in 24.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Greek.
In France: #265 for boys in 2025.
England and Wales: #214. Ireland: #204.
Famous people named Nicholas
- Nicholas Hoult (born 1989)English actor
- Nicholas Sparks (born 1965)American writer and novelist
- Nicholas Murray Butler (1862–1947)American philosopher, diplomat, and educator
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Keep exploring
About as popular as Nicholas
In the same lists
Find names you'll both love, starting with Nicholas
The one-minute style quiz.