Find out how popular the first name Nicolaus has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nicolaus by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Nicolaus is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nicolaus.

The history of the first name Nicolaus

The given name Nicolaus has its origins in the Greek language, derived from the combination of the words "niko" (meaning victory) and "laos" (meaning people). It emerged during the Hellenistic period of ancient Greece, around the 3rd century BCE. The name was initially popularized in the regions of the Greek world, including mainland Greece, Asia Minor, and parts of the Mediterranean.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nicolaus appears in the New Testament of the Bible, where it refers to a proselyte from Antioch who became a disciple of Jesus Christ. This biblical reference likely contributed to the name's subsequent spread and adoption within the Christian world.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nicolaus. One of the most famous was Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543), the renowned Polish astronomer who revolutionized our understanding of the universe by proposing the heliocentric model, which placed the Sun at the center of the solar system.

Another prominent figure was Nicolaus of Damascus (born around 64 BCE), a Greek historian and philosopher who served as an advisor to several Roman emperors, including Augustus and Herod the Great.

In the realm of mathematics, Nicolaus Chuquet (c. 1445-1500) was a French mathematician and the first to use the modern algebraic notation for exponents. His work laid the foundation for subsequent advancements in the field.

The name Nicolaus was also borne by Nicolaus of Cusa (1401-1464), a German philosopher, theologian, and cardinal of the Catholic Church, who made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy.

Another notable figure was Nicolaus Steno (1638-1686), a Danish scientist and pioneer in the field of geology, who is often referred to as the "father of stratigraphy" for his groundbreaking work on the principles of rock formation.

These examples showcase the diverse backgrounds and achievements of individuals who shared the name Nicolaus throughout history, spanning various fields, including science, philosophy, religion, and more.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Nicolaus was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Nicolaus, please contact us.

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