The name Nickolaus has its origins in the Greek language and dates back to ancient times. It is derived from the Greek words "nikos" meaning victory and "laos" meaning people. The combined meaning is "victory of the people."

In early Christianity, the name was associated with Saint Nicholas, the 4th century bishop of Myra in modern-day Turkey. Saint Nicholas was known for his generosity and became the inspiration for the legendary figure of Santa Claus.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Nickolaus can be found in the 9th century, when it was used by a Byzantine emperor named Nickolaus I Mystikos. He ruled the Byzantine Empire from 911 to 913 AD and was known for his efforts to promote education and learning.

In the Middle Ages, the name gained popularity across Europe, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands. Several notable historical figures bore the name Nickolaus, including Nickolaus of Cusa (1401-1464), a German philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer who proposed revolutionary ideas about the universe.

Another famous Nickolaus was Nickolaus Copernicus (1473-1543), the Polish astronomer who proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system, which placed the Sun at the center of the universe, a revolutionary idea at the time.

In the realm of art, Nickolaus Gerhaert (c. 1420-1473) was a renowned German painter and sculptor who created works that adorned many churches and cathedrals throughout Europe.

Nickolaus Otto (1832-1891) was a German engineer who is credited with inventing the first four-stroke internal combustion engine, which revolutionized the automotive industry.

Nickolaus Winton (1909-2015) was a British humanitarian who organized the rescue of 669 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia on the eve of World War II, an act that earned him the title of "British Schindler."