The name Kolia has its roots in the Slavic languages, particularly in Russian and Ukrainian. It is a diminutive form of the name Nikolai, which is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning "victory of the people." The name Kolia likely emerged as a pet form or nickname for Nikolai during the Middle Ages, when the use of diminutive names was common in Eastern Europe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kolia can be found in the Russian epic poem "The Tale of Igor's Campaign," which dates back to the late 12th century. The poem mentions a character named Kolia, though it is unclear whether this was a real person or a fictional character.

In the 16th century, a notable figure named Kolia Naryshkin lived in Russia. He was a member of the Naryshkin family, which played a significant role in the Russian aristocracy during the reign of Peter the Great.

Another historical figure bearing the name Kolia was Kolia Muratova, a Ukrainian folk singer and kobzar (a traditional Ukrainian bard) who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Muratova was renowned for preserving and performing Ukrainian folk songs and epics.

In the 19th century, Kolia Hudziakevych was a prominent figure in the Ukrainian national revival movement. He was a writer, poet, and translator who worked to promote the use of the Ukrainian language and literature.

A more contemporary figure named Kolia Larin was a Soviet writer and journalist who lived from 1911 to 1983. He wrote several novels and short stories that depicted life in the Soviet Union during the early 20th century.

It is worth noting that while the name Kolia has its roots in Eastern Europe, it has also been used in other parts of the world, particularly among communities with Slavic heritage or influence.