Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Nicole has its roots in the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people'. It evolved through French before becoming popular in English. The name is often associated with traits of strength and elegance, and while it has no direct biblical relevance, it has been widely embraced in modern culture.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/nɪˈkoʊl/
Origin
French
Etymology
The name Nicole is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which means 'victory of the people'. It was popularized in France and has been widely used in various cultures.
Meaning
victory of the people
Language Evolution
Nikolaos (Greek), Nicole (French), Nicolle (Old French)
Historical Usage
Nicole gained popularity in France during the Middle Ages and became widely used in English-speaking countries in the 20th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Nikki, Nicola, Nicolle, Nicol
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Nicole is viewed as a classic and elegant name, often associated with strength and femininity.
Famous People
Nicole Kidman, Nicole Scherzinger, Nicole Richie
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 23,044 peak births in 1985
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Jersey
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (26 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 26 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6135th of 7552 | 15 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1186th of 10718 | 787 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1394th of 16616 | 968 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6375th of 24088 | 182 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 18598th of 23106 | 13 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1844th of 9204 | 362 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 639th of 12526 | 4,164 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 21st of 19264 | 180,585 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 9th of 27321 | 296,511 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 42nd of 35406 | 92,636 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 184th of 30306 | 19,433 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - 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) |
38.64% 1135th/2937 |
24.89% 867th/3483 |
64.38% 2265th/3518 |
30.39% 1229th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
33.62% 1239th/3685 |
24.34% 1089th/4475 |
31.54% 1638th/5194 |
22.59% 1427th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
63.45% 4640th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
66.95% 1035th/1546 |
66.45% 1034th/1556 |
- |
56.43% 873rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
29.50% 657th/2227 |
19.34% 470th/2430 |
33.79% 964th/2853 |
18.49% 513th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
0.65% 19th/2937 |
0.40% 14th/3483 |
1.34% 47th/3518 |
0.47% 19th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
0.22% 8th/3685 |
0.11% 5th/4475 |
0.50% 26th/5194 |
0.11% 7th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
1.24% 57th/4582 |
0.46% 24th/5164 |
0.94% 69th/7313 |
0.50% 37th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
7.93% 316th/3984 |
4.06% 182nd/4487 |
2.76% 188th/6822 |
2.20% 138th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity 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 in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Jersey across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, too rising for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too rising for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too rising for female in South, stalled for male in West, too rising for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6135th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1186th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1394th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6375th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 18598th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1844th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 639th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 21st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 42nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 184th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.