Origin and Meaning of Nicholaas

Victory of the people

Origin: Greek - Derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which combines 'nikē' meaning 'victory' and 'laos' meaning 'people'.

• Nicholaas is a variant of Nicholas, which has been a popular name in various forms throughout history due to its association with Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity.
• The name Nicholaas is primarily used in Dutch-speaking countries, reflecting its prominence in Dutch culture, while similar variants are common across other European cultures.
• Notable bearers include Nicholaas van Rijn, a character in several works by the science fiction author Cordwainer Smith, and contemporary figures in various fields such as sports and academia.
• Nicholaas has seen fluctuating popularity, with a marked increase in the 1970s and 1980s, though traditional forms like Nicholas still dominate in usage.
• Related names and variations include Nicholas, Nicola, Nikolas, and Nikolai, showcasing the name’s adaptability across languages and cultures.