Nikolaos is a masculine given name of Greek origin, derived from the words "nikos" meaning "victory" and "laos" meaning "people." The name can be translated as "victor of the people" or "victorious among the people."

The name has its roots in ancient Greek culture and can be traced back to the 5th century BC. It was a popular name among the ancient Greeks and was often associated with military prowess and leadership qualities.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name can be found in the writings of the Greek historian Thucydides, who mentions a Nikolaos of Syracuse in his work "The Peloponnesian War." The name also appears in various ancient Greek inscriptions and texts.

In the Christian tradition, the name gained significance due to its association with Saint Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop of Myra (in present-day Turkey) and the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas was known for his generosity and kindness, particularly towards children.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Nikolaos, including:

1. Nikolaos of Damascus (c. 64 BC - c. 4 BC), a Greek philosopher, historian, and tutor to the Roman emperor Augustus.
2. Nikolaos Mouzalon (c. 1265 - c. 1315), a Byzantine scholar and philosopher who served as the chief minister to the Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos.
3. Nikolaos Kabasilas (c. 1322 - c. 1392), a Byzantine theologian and mystic who wrote extensively on the liturgy and sacraments of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
4. Nikolaos Mavrokordatos (1670 - 1730), a Greek scholar, diplomat, and Prince of Wallachia (a historical region in present-day Romania).
5. Nikolaos Kalogeropoulos (1851 - 1927), a Greek military officer and politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece from 1916 to 1917.

The name Nikolaos continues to be popular in various forms across different cultures and languages, such as Nicholas in English, Nicolás in Spanish, and Nicola in Italian, reflecting the widespread influence of Greek culture and the enduring appeal of this historic name.