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Nicholas

Nicholas is a male given name, derived from the Greek Νικόλαος (Nikolaos), meaning "victory of the people" from νίκη (nikē) "victory" and λαός (laos) "people".^[1] The name gained widespread popularity due to its association with Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop of Myra (in modern-day Turkey), who is the historical inspiration for Santa Claus.^[2] It has been used across Europe since the Middle Ages and remains common in English-speaking countries, where it ranked among the top 100 boys' names in the United States as of 2023.^[3] Variations include Nicolas, Nikolai, and Nick, with female forms like Nicole and Nicola.

Etymology and Origins

Linguistic Roots

The name Nicholas derives from the Ancient Greek Νικόλαος (Nikólaos), a compound of νίκη (níkē), meaning "victory," and λαός (laós), meaning "people" or "folk," thus translating to "victory of the people."^[1]^[4] This etymological structure reflects classical Greek naming conventions that often combined elements denoting positive attributes or aspirations, with νίκη appearing in other victory-themed names like Nike and Nikola. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in the works of the historian Thucydides, who in his History of the Peloponnesian War (c. 431–404 BC) mentions Nicolaus as a Lacedaemonian (Spartan) envoy sent to Persia alongside other diplomats, who were captured and executed by the Athenians during the early stages of the conflict.^[5] This reference, from Book 2, Chapter 67, attests to the name's use among elite circles in classical Greece by the mid-fifth century BC, predating its broader adoption.^[6] Epigraphic evidence from the Lexicon of Greek Personal Names further confirms sporadic occurrences of Nikolaos in Attic and other regional inscriptions from the classical period onward, though it remained relatively uncommon compared to more prevalent names.^[6] The name's dissemination accelerated with the advent of Koine Greek, the Hellenistic dialect that became the lingua franca of the eastern Mediterranean following Alexander the Great's conquests, facilitating its transmission through trade, administration, and cultural exchange. In early Christian contexts, Koine served as the primary language of the New Testament and liturgical texts, enabling the name Nikolaos to integrate into emerging Christian nomenclature across the Roman Empire.^[6] This linguistic medium played a key role in the name's propagation via the veneration of Saint Nicholas of Myra (c. 270–343 AD), a Greek bishop whose cult popularized it among Christian communities.^[1]

Historical Evolution

The name Nicholas, rooted in the Greek Nikolaos meaning "victory of the people," was adopted into Latin as Nicolaus during the Roman era, reflecting the integration of Greek nomenclature into Roman society through cultural and linguistic exchanges in the eastern Mediterranean.^[4] This Latin form gained prominence in ecclesiastical contexts by the 4th century, particularly with the figure of Saint Nicholas, the bishop of Myra in Lycia (modern-day Turkey), whose life and miracles elevated the name within early Christian communities across the Roman Empire.^[7] As Christianity solidified, Nicolaus became associated with clerical roles, symbolizing piety and protection, and was documented in hagiographies and liturgical texts from this period.^[1] The name's dissemination accelerated through the Byzantine Empire, where veneration of Saint Nicholas flourished from the 5th century onward, evidenced by pilgrimages to his tomb and the construction of a dedicated church in Constantinople by Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century (527–565).^[8] Christian missionaries, drawing on Byzantine traditions, carried the name westward and northward into Europe during the early medieval period, embedding it in monastic orders and emerging national churches. This expansion was facilitated by the translation of relics and liturgical practices, which popularized Nicolaus among converts and clergy in regions like Italy, Francia, and the British Isles.^[9] By the 12th century, the English spelling "Nicholas" had become established, influenced by Norman French introductions following the Conquest, while variations such as the Old French Nicolas emerged in continental Europe, adapting to vernacular phonetics in royal courts and clerical documents.^[10]^[1] The name persisted in medieval naming conventions among nobility and church hierarchy, as seen in figures like Pope Nicholas I (r. 858–867), who exemplified its enduring clerical prestige, and in princely houses where it denoted lineage ties to Christian heritage.^[11] This sustained usage underscored Nicholas's role as a marker of authority and devotion through the High Middle Ages.

Variations

Male Forms

The masculine forms of the name Nicholas derive from the ancient Greek Νικόλαος (Nikolaos), meaning "victory of the people," and have adapted phonetically and orthographically across languages while retaining this core etymology.^[1]^[12] In Slavic languages, prominent variants include Nikolai in Russian, pronounced approximately as /nʲɪkɐˈlaj/, and its near-equivalent Nikolay in Bulgarian, both emphasizing a soft "k" and elongated vowel sounds that reflect regional phonetic shifts from the Greek original.^[1] Similar adaptations appear in Ukrainian as Mykola, often pronounced /mɪkoˈlɑ/, with a distinct initial "m" sound influenced by local linguistic patterns.^[1] Romance language forms show orthographic variations suited to Latin scripts, such as Nicola in Italian, typically pronounced /niˈkɔːla/, which shortens the Greek diphthong for smoother flow in Mediterranean speech. In Spanish and Portuguese, Nicolás and Nicolau prevail, with pronunciations like /ni.koˈlas/ in Spanish, featuring a rolled "r" absent in the English form and a stress on the final syllable.^[1]^[12] Germanic variants often simplify the name for brevity, including Nikolas in German, pronounced /ˈniːkolas/, and Nico in Dutch, a clipped form /ˈniko/ that drops the final syllables common in fuller versions.^[1] Regional Eastern European adaptations include Nicolae in Romanian, pronounced /nikoˈle̯a/, where the ending vowel adds a melodic quality distinct from Western forms.^[1] Hypocoristic or diminutive forms are widely used as affectionate shortenings, such as Nick and Nicky in English contexts, pronounced /nɪk/ and /ˈnɪki/, which focus on the initial syllable for familiarity.^[1] In Slavic regions, Kolia serves as a Russian diminutive of Nikolai, often rendered /kɐˈlʲja/, evoking a playful, intimate tone.^[1]

Female Forms

The feminine forms of the name Nicholas derive from the Greek Nikolaos, meaning "victory of the people," and emerged through linguistic adaptations in various European languages.^[1] One of the most prominent is Nicole, the French feminine variant that gained widespread use in English-speaking countries starting in the mid-20th century.^[13] It became particularly popular in the United States and United Kingdom during the 1960s and 1970s, often shortened to Nikki or Nicki.^[12] In Italian, Nicolina serves as a diminutive feminine form of Nicola, which itself stems from Nicholas, emphasizing a youthful and refined connotation.^[14] This variant is less common outside Italy but appears in historical records and modern naming practices there, sometimes paired with nicknames like Lina or Nico.^[15] Among Slavic languages, particularly Bulgarian and Croatian, Nina functions as a short form of longer feminine derivatives like Nikolina, linking back to Nicholas through its root elements of victory and people.^[16] This diminutive conveys simplicity and endearment, though it also overlaps with unrelated origins in other cultures.^[17] A rare direct usage of Nicholas as a female given name occurred in 19th-century Scottish communities, especially among fishing families in the Lowlands, where it was recorded more frequently for girls than boys in the 1881 census without typical feminization.^[18]^[19] This practice, concentrated in regions like Dumfriesshire, faded by the late 1800s as naming conventions standardized by gender.^[18] In modern Western contexts, Nikita—originally a Russian masculine name from the Greek Niketas—has been adapted as a feminine form, reinterpreted through association with Nicholas due to phonetic similarity and the prevalence of -a endings in Romance languages.^[20] Its popularity as a girl's name surged in France and the English-speaking world following cultural influences like Elton John's 1985 song "Nikita," though it remains unisex in some Eastern European traditions.^[21]

Surname Forms

The surname Nicholas originated as a direct adoption of the medieval personal name, emerging as a hereditary family name in England during the Middle Ages, particularly following the Norman Conquest when it was introduced by Breton settlers.^[22] This form is most prevalent in southwestern England and south Wales, where it functions as a straightforward patronymic or locative identifier derived from the Greek Nikolaos, meaning "victory of the people."^[23] In France, the variant Nicolas developed similarly in the Middle Ages, becoming common in Romance-language regions such as Brittany, where it retains the same etymological roots from the Latin Nicolaus.^[24] Patronymic derivations expanded the surname's forms across Europe. In English and Scottish contexts, Nicholson and its Scottish counterpart Nicolson denote "son of Nicholas" or "son of Nicol," a diminutive of the original name, with early records appearing in 15th-century Scottish charters.^[25] These variants are concentrated in northern England and Scotland, reflecting Anglo-Saxon naming practices that emphasized lineage.^[26] In Eastern European Slavic regions, Nikolai serves as both a given name and surname, derived directly from the Russian and Bulgarian form of Nikolaos, and is widespread in countries like Russia and Bulgaria.^[27] Similarly, the Serbo-Croatian Nikolić, meaning "son of Nikola," emerged as a common patronymic in the Balkans, particularly in Serbia and Croatia, with its -ić suffix indicating descent.^[28] The historical emergence of these surnames in the Middle Ages coincided with the given name's widespread use in Christian Europe, driven by veneration of Saint Nicholas, leading to their establishment as fixed family identifiers in England, France, and beyond.^[29] Today, these forms show geographic clustering: Nicholas and Nicholson in English-speaking areas, Nicolas in French and Spanish territories, Nicolson in Scotland, Nikolai in Eastern Europe, and Nikolić in the Balkans, illustrating the name's adaptation through linguistic and cultural lenses.^[30]

Usage and Cultural Significance

As a Given Name

The name Nicholas has been a prominent given name in English-speaking countries since the 12th century, when it was introduced following the Norman Conquest and gained widespread use among Christian families due to the veneration of Saint Nicholas.^[1] In the United States, records from the Social Security Administration show that Nicholas first appeared in national data in 1880 and steadily rose in popularity throughout the 20th century, entering the top 100 names by the 1960s and reaching its peak ranking of #5 in the late 1990s and early 2000s before beginning a gradual decline in the post-2000 era, though it remains a classic choice outside the top 100.^[31]^[3] Similarly, in England and Wales, the name maintained consistent usage from the 19th century onward, reflecting its enduring status as a traditional masculine forename in Anglo-Christian contexts.^[32] A key factor in Nicholas's historical and ongoing appeal as a given name is its strong association with Christmas traditions in Christian cultures, stemming from Saint Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop of Myra whose legacy as a generous gift-giver inspired the figure of Santa Claus.^[33] This connection has influenced naming practices, particularly in Western Christian communities where parents often choose the name around the holiday season to honor the saint's role as patron of children and protector of the vulnerable, reinforcing its seasonal and symbolic resonance. Beyond Western traditions, Nicholas has seen cross-cultural adoption in non-Western contexts through globalization and Western influence, notably in Japan where it is transliterated as Nikorasu (ニコラス) and used among expatriates, international professionals, or those embracing Christian or global naming trends since the post-World War II era of increased Western cultural exchange.^[34] This adaptation highlights the name's versatility in modern multicultural settings, often retaining its original Greek etymological meaning of "victory of the people" as a nod to its timeless aspirational quality.^[1]

As a Surname

Nicholas is a relatively common surname worldwide, with an estimated global incidence of approximately 96,986 bearers, ranking it as the 5,795th most widespread family name.^[35] This distribution shows concentrations primarily in English-speaking countries, reflecting historical patterns of migration and cultural adoption. In the United States, the surname ranks 1,163rd in popularity, with an estimated 33,455 individuals bearing it, based on recent demographic analyses drawing from census data.^[36] Similarly, it appears frequently in England (around 10,800 bearers), Australia (3,100), and Canada (2,800), underscoring its prevalence among populations of British Isles descent.^[35] Migration patterns have significantly influenced the surname's spread. In Australia and Canada, Nicholas is common among descendants of 19th- and 20th-century immigrants from the British Isles, particularly England and Wales, where the name originated as a hereditary form in the late medieval period. French variants, such as Nicolas, exhibit notable concentrations in Quebec, stemming from early French colonial settlers who arrived in the 17th century and preserved the name through generations of French Canadian families.^[37] These patterns highlight how colonial and transatlantic movements dispersed the surname across Anglophone and Francophone regions. Onomastic and genetic studies trace the surname's adoption in England to the Norman Conquest era, when the personal name Nicholas—popularized by the veneration of Saint Nicholas—transitioned into hereditary use among Norman and Anglo-Norman families.^[23] Research in British surname etymology, including analyses of medieval records like the Domesday Book and subsequent pipe rolls, links early Nicholas bearers to post-1066 landholders in southwestern England and south Wales, where the name's Greek-derived roots ("victory of the people") were adapted into English nomenclature. The surname derives briefly from the given name Nicholas in medieval times, evolving through patronymic forms like "son of Nicholas."

Popularity Trends

In the United States, Nicholas reached its peak popularity in the late 1990s, ranking as high as #5 on the Social Security Administration (SSA) list of baby names in 1999, when it was given to over 25,000 boys annually.^[38] By 2024, the name had declined significantly to #118, with 3,025 newborns receiving it, reflecting a broader shift away from traditional multi-syllable names toward shorter, modern alternatives.^[38] This decline follows a pattern seen in many classic names, though Nicholas maintains a steady presence outside the top 100. A notable resurgence appears in its diminutives, particularly Nico, which has gained traction among parents seeking fresher options. Nico rose from #317 in 2020 (1,035 boys) to #213 in 2024 (1,678 boys) in SSA rankings, driven by its sleek, international appeal and use as a standalone name rather than solely a nickname.^[39] This trend aligns with growing interest in compact, versatile names for Generation Alpha. Globally, Nicholas is the 882nd most common forename, borne by roughly 1,009,032 people, with the largest concentrations in English-speaking countries like the United States (365,799 individuals) and England (approximately 156,000).^[40] In Eastern Europe, prevalence is lower for the exact spelling—such as 1,932 in Poland and just 212 in Russia—but variants like Nikolai remain culturally significant due to ties with Orthodox Christianity and historical figures.^[40] The name's historical peaks have long been linked to religious figures like Saint Nicholas. In Asia, adoption is minimal, with small numbers in India (2,167) and China (785), likely influenced by English-language education and globalization among urban elites.^[40] As of late 2025, early indicators suggest a potential stabilization or mild rebound for Nicholas, with Nameberry ranking it at #137 in their projected popular boy names list, possibly buoyed by enduring media associations and a nostalgia for 1990s-era classics.^[41]

Notable Individuals

Mononymous Figures

In the history of the papacy, several figures known mononymously as Nicholas played pivotal roles in ecclesiastical conflicts and cultural patronage. Pope Nicholas I, reigning from 858 to 867, is renowned for his involvement in the Photian Schism, a major rift between the Eastern and Western churches. He refused to recognize the legitimacy of Photius as Patriarch of Constantinople, asserting papal authority over the appointment, which led Photius to convene a synod in 867 that excommunicated Nicholas and condemned certain Western practices. This episode highlighted Nicholas I's staunch defense of Roman primacy and contributed to long-term tensions culminating in the Great Schism of 1054.^[42]^[43] Pope Nicholas V, who served from 1447 to 1455, exemplified the Renaissance papacy through his patronage of humanism and the arts. A scholar himself, he founded the Vatican Library by commissioning translations of ancient Greek texts into Latin, fostering intellectual revival in Europe. His support extended to architects and artists, including plans for renovating St. Peter's Basilica, positioning him as a key figure in bridging medieval and Renaissance culture.^[44]^[45] Among rulers, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, who governed from 1825 to 1855, embodied autocratic conservatism amid expanding imperial ambitions. His reign saw aggressive policies toward the Ottoman Empire, precipitating the Crimean War (1853–1856), where Russian forces sought control over the Black Sea and Holy Land protectorates but suffered defeat against a coalition of Britain, France, and the Ottomans. This conflict exposed military weaknesses and accelerated reforms under his successor.^[46]^[47] Tsar Nicholas II, ruling from 1894 to 1917, marked the end of the Romanov dynasty as the last autocratic emperor of Russia. His abdication in March 1917 amid World War I and domestic unrest led to the Bolshevik Revolution, culminating in the execution of his family in 1918. Nicholas II's reign was characterized by resistance to constitutional change and ineffective handling of industrialization's social strains.^[48]^[49] In the realm of antipopes, Nicholas V (1328–1330), born Pietro Rainalducci, was installed by Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV the Bavarian in Rome as a rival to Pope John XXII during the Avignon Papacy. This short-lived schism reflected imperial-papal power struggles, with Nicholas V creating pseudocardinals to bolster his claim before submitting to John XXII in 1330 and retiring to a monastery.^[50]^[51] Eastern Orthodox tradition includes Patriarch Nicholas I Mystikos of Constantinople, who held the office from 901 to 907 (and again 912–925), known through his extensive surviving letters that illuminate Byzantine diplomacy and church-state relations. As a key advisor to emperors like Leo VI, he navigated theological disputes and imperial successions, including the Tetragamy controversy over the emperor's fourth marriage.^[52]

Religious Leaders and Saints

Saint Nicholas of Myra (c. 270–343 AD) was a fourth-century Greek Christian bishop of Myra in Lycia, in what is now modern-day Turkey, renowned for his piety, generosity, and miraculous interventions on behalf of the poor and oppressed. Born in the seaport city of Patara to wealthy Christian parents, he dedicated his life to the Church from a young age, becoming bishop during a time of Roman persecution under Emperor Diocletian, when he was imprisoned for his faith before being released under Constantine the Great. He participated in the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, defending Orthodox doctrine against Arianism. His legendary acts of kindness, such as secretly providing dowries for three impoverished sisters to prevent their exploitation, inspired the folklore figure of Santa Claus, particularly through Dutch traditions of Sinterklaas. As patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, and travelers, he is invoked for protection against drowning, imprisonment, and misfortune, with traditions emphasizing his role as a defender of the innocent.^[53]^[54]^[55] In the Catholic tradition, several saints named Nicholas have been venerated for their exemplary lives and martyrdoms. Saint Nicholas of Tolentino (1245–1305), an Italian Augustinian friar born in Sant'Angelo in Pontano, was named after the Myra saint following his parents' prayers at that shrine for a child after years of infertility. Known for his asceticism, preaching, and devotion to the Eucharist, he experienced visions and performed miracles, including bilocation to aid souls in purgatory. Canonized in 1446, he serves as patron of the dying, souls in purgatory, and those suffering from stomach ailments, with his feast day observed on September 10. Another prominent figure is Saint Nicholas Pieck (1534–1572), a Dutch Franciscan friar and superior of the Gorkum convent, who was among the Martyrs of Gorkum during the Dutch Revolt. Captured by Calvinist rebels in 1572 for refusing to renounce Catholic doctrines like the Real Presence in the Eucharist, he endured torture and was hanged on July 9 in Brielle alongside eighteen other clergy, earning canonization in 1675 for his steadfast faith.^[56]^[57]^[58] Within Eastern Orthodoxy, veneration of saints named Nicholas extends through historical wonderworkers and ongoing miraculous traditions associated with icons of Saint Nicholas of Myra. One such figure is the New Martyr Nicholas (d. 1754), a lay Orthodox Christian from Chios who suffered martyrdom under Ottoman rule for his faith and refusal to convert to Islam, recognized as a wonderworker for reported posthumous healings and intercessions. His life exemplifies the endurance of Orthodox piety amid persecution, with his commemoration highlighting themes of confession and divine protection. Broader Orthodox devotion to Saint Nicholas manifests in numerous myrrh-streaming icons, which exude fragrant oil as a sign of sanctity, drawing pilgrims for veneration and reported healings; these icons, often depicting the Myra bishop, underscore his enduring role as a quick intercessor in times of distress.^[59] Recent developments up to 2025 reflect growing ecumenical recognition of Saint Nicholas's legacy across Catholic and Orthodox traditions, particularly through joint commemorations tied to historical events like the Council of Nicaea. In September 2025, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew participated in ceremonies at the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in New York, fostering dialogue and shared veneration between Orthodox and Catholic leaders amid broader efforts to mark the 1700th anniversary of Nicaea in 2025. These initiatives highlight Nicholas's unifying role as a confessor of faith, promoting inter-church cooperation without new canonizations of figures named Nicholas in this period.^[60]^[61]

Nobility and Rulers

Nicholas I, Prince of Montenegro (1841–1921), born Nikola Petrović-Njegoš, ruled as prince from 1860 to 1910 and as king from 1910 to 1918, leading his small Balkan state through key phases of modernization and independence from Ottoman control.^[62] He orchestrated Montenegro's participation in the 1876–78 war against the Ottomans, securing territorial gains including parts of Herzegovina and the Sanjak of Novi Pazar, which elevated the principality's status at the Congress of Berlin in 1878.^[62] Nikola's diplomatic maneuvers, including alliances with Serbia and Russia, culminated in Montenegro's declaration of independence in 1878 and his proclamation as king in 1910, marking the culmination of Petrović-Njegoš dynasty's efforts to establish a sovereign European monarchy.^[62] His reign emphasized cultural patronage, with Nikola authoring poetry and plays that promoted Montenegrin identity, though it ended amid World War I turmoil when he was deposed in 1918.^[62] In medieval European nobility, figures like Nicholas I, Duke of Troppau (c. 1255–1318), exemplified the integration of legitimated illegitimate lines into ruling houses, as he was the acknowledged but extramarital son of Ottokar II Přemysl, King of Bohemia, whom Pope Alexander IV legitimized.^[63] Installed as Duke of Troppau (Opava) in 1281 by Rudolf I of Habsburg following his father's death at the Battle of Marchfeld, Nicholas governed the Silesian duchy until his own death, navigating alliances with Habsburgs and maintaining Přemyslid influence in fragmented Bohemian lands.^[63] His rule focused on consolidating ducal authority amid regional power shifts, with his son Nicholas II succeeding him in 1318, continuing the line until its eventual absorption into Bohemian crown domains.^[63] Hereditary nobles such as Nicholas de Verdun (d. 1231), an Anglo-Norman baron, held significant estates in Staffordshire, Lancashire, and Ireland, descending from Norman conquerors who amassed lands post-1066.^[64] As lord of Alton Castle, he expanded family holdings through marriage to Clemence le Boteler around 1205–1209, acquiring dowries in Ireland that positioned the Verduns as key players in Anglo-Norman colonization there.^[64] Nicholas participated in King John's Irish campaigns but later joined the baronial opposition in 1215, forfeiting lands temporarily before their restoration under Henry III; his daughter Rohese's marriage to Theobald Butler further entrenched the family's influence in Leinster.^[64] Nicholas Ferrar (1592–1637), from an English gentry family with merchant roots, served as deputy treasurer of the Virginia Company (1622–1624), influencing colonial administration before retiring to found the devout Anglican community at Little Gidding in Huntingdonshire.^[65] Ordained as a deacon in 1626, Ferrar transformed his family's estate into a spiritual retreat emphasizing prayer, charity, and manuscript production, including unique "Gospel harmonies" that attracted royal visits from Charles I.^[65] Though not a titled noble, his role in court circles under James I and his establishment of a proto-monastic order highlighted gentry contributions to religious reform amid Stuart tensions.^[65] The community's dissolution under Puritan critique in 1646 followed his death, but it endured as a model of lay piety.^[65]

Modern Notables

In the realm of entertainment, Nicolas Cage (born January 7, 1964) is an acclaimed American actor and filmmaker known for his versatile performances in action and dramatic roles, including his portrayal of a dual character in Face/Off (1997), which earned him widespread recognition for blending intensity and eccentricity. His career, spanning over four decades, includes Academy Award-winning work for Leaving Las Vegas (1995) and blockbuster franchises like National Treasure.^[66] Nicholas Hoult (born December 7, 1989) is a British actor celebrated for his breakthrough role as Tony Stonem in the television series Skins (2007–2009) and subsequent film appearances, such as the mutant Hank McCoy (Beast) in the X-Men franchise starting with X-Men: First Class (2011).^[67] His dynamic range extends to action epics like Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), where he played Nux, showcasing his ability to embody complex, high-energy characters. Emerging actor Nicholas Galitzine (born September 29, 1994) has risen to prominence through romantic and period dramas, including his role as Prince Henry in the Netflix series Red, White & Royal Blue (2023), and he is set to star as He-Man in the live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe, scheduled for release on June 5, 2026, marking a significant step in his transition to leading man status. Additionally, he served as the global ambassador for Emporio Armani's Fall/Winter 2025-26 eyewear, watches, and jewelry campaign, highlighting his growing influence in fashion and media.^[68] Among individuals with Nicholas as a surname, Denise Nicholas (born July 12, 1944) stands out as an American actress, writer, and civil rights activist, best remembered for her role as high school guidance counselor Liz McIntyre on the ABC series Room 222 (1969–1974), which addressed social issues in education and earned her two Emmy nominations.^[69] Her work extended to films like Blacula (1972) and advocacy for Black representation in media, including founding the Black Artists Alliance.^[70] In science and academia, Nicholas Kurti (1908–1998) was a pioneering Hungarian-British physicist who advanced low-temperature research at Oxford University's Clarendon Laboratory, achieving groundbreaking cooling to microkelvin levels and contributing to the Manhattan Project's gaseous diffusion efforts for uranium enrichment during World War II.^[71] Later in life, he bridged physics and gastronomy with his 1969 Royal Institution lecture "The Physicist in the Kitchen," influencing molecular cuisine by applying scientific principles to cooking techniques.^[72] Nicholas Negroponte (born December 1, 1943) is an American architect and computer scientist who founded the MIT Media Lab in 1985, fostering innovations in digital media, human-computer interaction, and wearable technology through interdisciplinary research.^[73] His initiatives, including the One Laptop per Child project launched in 2005, aimed to provide affordable computing to children in developing countries, impacting global education and technology access.^[74] In sports, Cindy Nicholas (1957–2016), a Canadian long-distance swimmer, set multiple records in the 1970s, including becoming the first woman and youngest person to swim the English Channel round-trip in 1977 (over 141 km in 27 hours and 24 minutes), earning her the nickname "Queen of the Channel."^[75] She also crossed Lake Ontario in 1974 at age 16, shattering the previous record by over five hours.^[76] In politics, Bob Nicholas (born October 14, 1957) serves as a Republican member of the Wyoming House of Representatives for District 7 since 2018, focusing on conservative policies related to energy, education, and fiscal responsibility in a state-dependent economy.^[77] As a fourth-generation Wyoming native and outdoors enthusiast, he has sponsored legislation on wildlife management and property rights.^[78]

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Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.
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Legend of Santa Claus had humble beginning in Turkey
Dec 9, 1998 · Saint Nicholas is believed to have been born in the 4th century in the city of Patara of what is now Turkey. Around the young age of 19, he was ...
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Who was St. Nicholas? - News | Campbell University
Nicholas was a Christian pastor and bishop. At the time of his birth, Christianity was a persecuted minority religion; and by the time of his death, ...Missing: figure | Show results with:figure
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Dec 19, 2022 · These Greek miracles and larger biography of St Nicholas were first written down from the 5th century onwards, about a century after he died (of ...
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Meaning, origin and history of the name Nicholas
From the Greek name Νικόλαος (Nikolaos) meaning "victory of the people", derived from Greek νίκη (nike) meaning "victory" and λαός (laos) meaning "people".United States · Related Names · Australia (NSW) · England and Wales
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Nicholas - Etymology, Origin & Meaning of the Name
Originating from Greek Nikolaos, meaning "victory-people," Nicholas is a masculine name from French and Latin, linked to a saint and medieval English use.
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Koine Greek - Wikipedia
Patristic Greek After the 4th century, when Christianity became the state church of the Roman Empire, more learned registers of Koiné also came to be used.Koine Greek grammar · Koine Greek phonology · Attic Greek · Koiné language
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Meaning, origin and history of the name Nicole
French feminine form of Nicholas, commonly used in the English-speaking world since the middle of the 20th century. A famous bearer is American-Australian ...Comments · Popularity in the United States · Related Names · Nicolette
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Meaning, origin and history of the name Nicolina
- **Meaning**: Feminine diminutive of Nicola.
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Names Related to the name Nicholas - Behind the Name
Feminine Forms ; Basque. Nikole ; Bulgarian. Nikol, Nikoleta, Nikolina, Nina ; Croatian. Nika, Nikolina ; Czech. Nicol, Nikol, Nikola ; Danish. Nicoline.
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In Western countries like France and the United States, Nikita has evolved into a feminine name, gaining popularity after Elton John's 1985 hit song 'Nikita ...
[25]
Nicholas History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms - HouseOfNames
Nicholas is derived from the personal name Nicholas. It was a popular given name in the Middle Ages. This surname came to England with the Bretons.Nicholas History · Etymology · Early Origins · Spelling Variations<|control11|><|separator|>
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Nicholas Name Meaning and Nicholas Family History at FamilySearch
The name in various vernacular forms was popular among Christians throughout Europe in the Middle Ages ... Greek Papanikolaou '(son of) Nicholas ...
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Nicolas Name Meaning and Nicolas Family History at FamilySearch
from the personal name Nicolás (Spanish), Nicolas (French, Breton), from Greek Nikolaos (see Nicholas ). In France, this surname is most common in Brittany.
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Nicholson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms - HouseOfNames
The name Nicholson was derived from from the personal name, Nicholas. Nicholson is a patronymic surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames.Nicholson History · Etymology · Early Origins · Early History
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Nicholson Family History - Ancestry.com
Nicholson Surname Meaning. English (northern) and Scottish: patronymic from the Middle English personal name Nic(h)olas or the vernacular form Nic ...
[30]
Nikolai - Surname Origins & Meanings - Last Names - MyHeritage
The surname Nikolai has its roots in Eastern Europe, particularly in Slavic regions, where it is derived from the given name Nikolai, ...
[31]
Last name NIKOLIC: origin and meaning - Geneanet
Etymology. Nikolic : Serbian and Croatian (Nikolić): patronymic from the personal name Nikola from Greek Nikolaos (see Nicholas).
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Nicholas Family History - Ancestry.com
17% of Nicholas men worked as a Laborer and 8% of Nicholas women worked as a Housewife. ... There are 239,000 census records available for the last name Nicholas.Missing: 19th | Show results with:19th
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Nicolas Surname Origin, Meaning & Last Name History - Forebears
(Greek) Victorious People or Army [Greek Νικόλας— νίκό- (νίκάω, to conquer; νίκη, victory) + λαός, the people, army] Nicolas is a very common French surname.
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Popular Baby Names | SSA - Social Security
Popular Names by Birth Year. Enter the Year and Popularity for a List of the Most Popular Names. Birth Year: Any year after 1879.Popular Names by State · Decade · Change in Popularity · Top 5 namesMissing: Nicholas | Show results with:Nicholas
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Popularity for the name Nicholas - Behind the Name
Popularity statistics for the given name Nicholas in the United States ... #20, 0.648. 2006, -, -, #17, 0.715. 2005, -, -, #15, 0.803. 2004, -, -, #13, 0.876.
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Popularity for the name Nicholas - Behind the Name
Popularity statistics for the given name Nicholas in England and Wales.
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Saint Nicholas and the Origin of Santa Claus
Along with appearance changes, the saint's name shifted to Santa Claus—a natural phonetic alteration from the German Sankt Niklaus. Churches, influenced by ...
[38]
What Does The Name Nikorasu Mean? - Names.org
Nikorasu is a Japanese phonetic rendering of the name Nicholas, adapted to fit Japanese syllabary constraints (ni-ko-ra-su) and most commonly written in ...
[39]
Nicholas Surname Origin, Meaning & Last Name History - Forebears
Excluding The United States Nicholas occurs in 146 countries. It is also common in Nigeria, where 11 percent are found and England, where 11 percent are found.Missing: speaking | Show results with:speaking
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Last Names NICHOLAS National Statistics - MyNameStats.com
NICHOLAS is ranked as the 1163rd most popular family name in the United States with an estimated population of 33,455. · This name is in the 99th percentile, ...Missing: surname prevalence 2020
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https://nameberry.com/popular-names/nameberry/boys/2
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[PDF] Methods for studying the Origins and History of Family Names in ...
In this paper we present the methods and some findings of a major new research project in surname studies in Britain. The project is called Family Names of ...
[43]
Nicholas - Baby Names 1000
In 2024, Nicholas ranked 118th with 3,025 boys (0.1639%), and in 2023, it ranked 109th with 3,242 boys (0.1770%).
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Nico - Baby Names 1000
Nico: Statistics About The Baby Name Nico ; 2024, 213, 1,678 ; 2023, 240, 1,462 ; 2022, 236, 1,468 ; 2021, 259, 1,351 ; 2020, 317, 1,035 ...Missing: US | Show results with:US
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Nicholas Name Meaning, Origins & Popularity - Forebears
Nicholas Forename. 882 Most Common. name in the World · Approximately 1,009,032 people bear this name. Most prevalent in: United States. Highest density in:.
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Popular Boy Names 2025 - Nameberry
Popular boy names 2025 including current rankings of the Top 2000 baby boy names ... 153Nicholas · 154Matthew · 155Lincoln · 156Aurelius.
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Ecumenical Councils - Christendom's Graduate School of Theology
... Pope Nicholas I the Great refused to recognized Photius' claim to the episcopacy. Subsequently, Photius excommunicated Pope Nicholas (although he had no ...
[48]
Tag: Photian Schism - Notre Dame Sites
Jan 9, 2024 · The Roman Pope at the time, Nicholas I, complained to Hincmar of Reims that the Greeks condemned them for being clean shaven [4]. By the ...
[49]
Rome Reborn: The Vatican Library & Renaissance Culture Medicine
Pope Nicholas V was an enthusiastic and informed patron of the translation of ancient scientific works from Greek into Latin, the language of intellectual life ...
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Nicholas V's Tribuna for Old St. Peter's in Rome as a Model for the ...
Jun 1, 2013 · Pope Nicholas V is often characterized as the first true Renaissance pope: a humanist with ambitious plans not only for restoring churches ...<|separator|>
[51]
The Crimean War (U.S. National Park Service)
Aug 4, 2022 · The official cause of the war was a dispute between the Russian Czar, Nicholas I and the Ottoman Emperor, Abdulmejid I, over which empire ...
[52]
Crimean War - Russia's Periphery
Nicholas I, the tsar of Russia, knew in advance the impending dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and was determined to expand Russian influence at its ...
[53]
Introduction - Czar Nicholas II: Topics in Chronicling America
Nicholas II (1868-1918), crowned in 1894, was the last Russian emperor. Characterized by some as shy, weak, vacillating, and indecisive, he was nevertheless a ...
[54]
Nicholas II, Tsar of Russia | British Museum
Last Tsar of Russia; son of Alexander III and Maria Feodorovna; in 1894 married Alexandra Feodorovna (Alix of Hesse), with whom he had four children; succeeded ...<|separator|>
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Cardinals of the 14th Century
Clement V (1305-1314) - 24 cardinals. John XXII (1316-1334) - 28 cardinals [Antipope] Nicholas V (1328-1333) - 9 pseudocardinals. Benedict XII (1334-1342) - 7 ...
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[PDF] myth, memory, and civic identity in fourteenth-century roman politics
An impoverished and disgraced Louis left the city in early August 1328, accompanied by his pope Nicholas V, the new cardinals, and many staunch supporters ...
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Byzantium and beyond: the Medieval Roman Empire and its world ...
This project uses the approximately 200 extant letters of Patriarch Nicholas I Mystikos (901 – 907, 912 – 925), to form a composite mosaic of the Medieval ...
[58]
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
Dec 6, 2024 · Saint Nicholas, the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia is famed as a great saint pleasing unto God. He was born in the city of Patara ...
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St. Nicholas - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online
St. Nicholas is celebrated as the patron saint of several classes of people, especially, in the East, of sailors and in the West of children.
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St Nicholas of Myra - OrthodoxWiki
Nicholas of Myra, Wonder-worker, was the archbishop of Myra in southern Asia Minor in the fourth century, known especially for his care for the poor.
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St. Nicholas of Tolentino - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online
Born in 1245 in Sant'Angelo, St. Nicholas of Tolentino took his name from St. Nicholas of Myra, at whose shrine his parents prayed to have a child.
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Patron Saints: D - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online
Patron saints are chosen as special protectors or guardians over areas of life. These areas can include occupations, illnesses, churches, countries, causes.
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CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: The Martyrs of Gorkum - New Advent
In June, Dortrecht and Gorkum fell into their hands and at Gorkum they captured nine Franciscans. These were: Nicholas Pieck, guardian of Gorkum, Hieronymns of ...
[64]
Feast of our Father Among the Saints, Nicholas, the Wonderworker ...
Among the Fathers gathered at Nicaea in 325 for the first Ecumenical Council, Nicholas was one of the leading champions of Orthodoxy against the impious heresy ...
[65]
Ecumenical Patriarch Participates in Tree-Planting Ceremony at St ...
Sep 20, 2025 · Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Sept. 20, 2025 participated in a tree-planting ceremony outside St. Nicholas Church and National Shrine.Missing: Growing recognition 2020-2025
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2025 06 10 Ecumenical Conference on Nicaea at the Angelicum
Jun 10, 2025 · This international academic conference focused on dialogue between Catholics and Orthodox Christians, looking to the future.Missing: Growing recognition Nicholas 2020-2025
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Nicholas I | Facts & Biography - Britannica
Oct 3, 2025 · prince (1860–1910) and then king (1910–18) of Montenegro, who transformed his small principality into a sovereign European nation.
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Nicholas I | Biography, Facts, & Accomplishments - Britannica
Oct 1, 2025 · Russian emperor (1825–55), often considered the personification of classic autocracy. For his reactionary policies, he has been called the emperor who froze ...
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BOHEMIA - Foundation for Medieval Genealogy
He was installed in 1281 as NIKOLAUS I Duke of Troppau. - DUKES of TROPPAU ... (-Troppau Jul 1281). Marshall of Austria. WENZEL of Bohemia, son of OTOKAR ...
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ENGLISH LORDS T-Z - Foundation for Medieval Genealogy
... of Bertram, suggested younger brothers of Norman de Verdun (see above). 1 ... The dispute between Richard de Camvill and Nicholas de Verdun concerning the dower ...
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Nicholas Ferrar | Puritan, Anglican & Devotionalist - Britannica
Nicholas Ferrar was an Anglican clergyman, founder and director of a celebrated Christian community devoted to spiritual discipline and social service.
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National Treasure | film by Turteltaub [2004] - Britannica
Oct 27, 2025 · Nicolas Cage (born January 7, 1964, Long Beach, California, U.S.) is an American actor, perhaps best known for his performances in action films ...
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Nicholas Hoult Facts | Britannica
Nicholas Hoult was born on December 7, 1989. Where was Nicholas Hoult born? Nicholas Hoult was born in Wokingham, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom.
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Nicholas Galitzine - Wikipedia
Awards and nominations ; 2024, Breakthrough Performer of the Year, —, Nominated ; 2025, Best Song Written and/or Recorded for a Film, The Idea of You, Nominated.
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Emporio Armani Taps Nicholas Galitzine for Fall 2025 Campaign
Aug 26, 2025 · Nicholas Galitzine fronts Emporio Armani's Fall/Winter 2025/26 campaign, expanding from fragrance to eyewear, watches and jewellery.
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Denise Nicholas's Biography - The HistoryMakers
Actress and fiction writer Denise Nicholas was born Donna Denise Nicholas on July 12th in Detroit, Michigan to Louise and Otto Nicholas.
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About - Denise Nicholas Official Website
As an actress, Ms. Nicholas has been applauded for her portrayals of complex, resilient women on film, television and the stage, most memorably for her ...
[78]
Nicholas Kurti - Atomic Heritage Foundation
Nicholas Kurti (1908-1998) was a Hungarian-British physicist. Born in Budapest, Kurti was forced to leave Hungary in 1926 due to anti-Jewish laws.
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Obituary: Professor Nicholas Kurti | The Independent
Nov 27, 1998 · Nicholas Kurti, physicist: born Budapest 14 May 1908; Researcher, Clarendon Laboratory, Oxford 1933-40; UK Atomic Bomb Project 1940-45 ...
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Overview ‹ Nicholas Negroponte - MIT Media Lab
A graduate of MIT, Negroponte joined the faculty in 1966 and was a pioneer in the field of computer-aided design. He gave the first TED talk in 1984, as well as ...
[81]
Nicholas Negroponte | MIT Media Lab Founder, Computer Scientist
American architect and computer scientist who was the founding director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Laboratory and founded One ...
[82]
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cynthia-nicholas
[83]
Cindy Nicholas - International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF)
Born in Toronto in 1957, Cynthia Maria Theresa Nicholas, taught by her dad, Jim, learned to swim at age two and a half. She began competing at age five and ...
[84]
Bob Nicholas - Ballotpedia
Incumbent Bob Nicholas defeated Jordan Evans in the general election for Wyoming House of Representatives District 7 on November 5, 2024. Candidate. %. Votes. ✓.
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Bob Nicholas for House
Bob Nicholas is a 4th generation Wyoming native who loves this state. He is the father to three wonderful kids and is an avid outdoorsman. Bob is a strong.Missing: politician | Show results with:politician