Nicolai Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Nicolai is a name of Greek origin meaning 'victory of the people.' It has evolved through various historical forms, including Nikolaos and Nicolaus. The name is linked to traits of leadership and generosity, particularly through its association with Saint Nicholas. There is no direct biblical relevance. Historically, it gained popularity in connection to the figure of Saint Nicholas and continues to be a favored name in various cultures today.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Nicolai"
Pronunciation
/nɪˈkoʊlaɪ/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
Nicolai is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which means 'victory of the people.' The name is composed of the elements 'nike' meaning 'victory' and 'laos' meaning 'people.'
Meaning
victory of the people
Language Evolution
Nikolaos (Greek), Nicolaus (Latin), Nicolai (Latinized form)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Christian world due to Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and later became the inspiration for Santa Claus.
Variants & Derivatives
Nicholas, Colin, Nico, Nikki
Modern Popularity & Image
Nicolai is perceived as a sophisticated and international name, often associated with intelligence and creativity.
Famous People
Nicolai Copernicus, the astronomer, Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov, the composer, Nicolai Tesla, the inventor
📊 Nicolai Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Nicolai Name Visualizations
✨ Nicolai Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 78 peak births in 2015
Geographic Spread
Popular across 10 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Nicolai"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Nicolai"
"Nicolai" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7201st of 7552 | 6 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5156th of 10718 | 62 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2973rd of 16616 | 314 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2478th of 24088 | 723 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2317th of 23106 | 708 |
Regional Popularity of "Nicolai" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
61.74% 2763rd/4475 |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
33.01% 2085th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
71.85% 3292nd/4582 |
71.90% 3713th/5164 |
36.18% 2646th/7313 |
26.48% 1976th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
59.22% 2657th/4487 |
33.70% 2299th/6822 |
27.63% 1734th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Nicolai" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Nicolai"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Nicolai" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Nicolai" in the United States
The name Nicolai is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Nicolai has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Nicolai' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7201st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5156th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2973rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2478th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2317th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Nicolai' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.