Is Nicolai a boy, girl, or unisex name?

Nicolai is commonly used as a Boy name.

How popular is Nicolai?

It's currently ranked #872 in the U.S. Recent trend: Falling.

How do you pronounce Nicolai?

NIK-oh-lye · IPA: /ˈnɪkəlaɪ/

Nicolai Boy

Popularity: #872 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: NIK-oh-lye /ˈnɪkəlaɪ/

Origin: Latin; Greek; Slavic

Meaning: Victory of the people (Latin); Victory of the people (Greek); People’s victory (Slavic)

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Nicolai has its roots in the Greek name Nikolaos, which is composed of the elements 'nikē' meaning 'victory' and 'laos' meaning 'people.' This name was adopted into Latin as Nicolaus and subsequently made its way into various languages, including Old French as Nicolas, before evolving into the form Nicolai in several cultures, particularly in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. The transition into English occurred through the Latin and Old French variants, with the name being introduced to English speakers around the 12th century, primarily due to the influence of the Norman Conquest.

Historically, the name Nicolai has been borne by several notable figures, including Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and later the inspiration for the modern figure of Santa Claus. His feast day, celebrated on December 6, became a significant cultural event in many Christian traditions.

The name also appears in various historical texts and translations, including the Vulgate, the Latin version of the Bible, where the name is rendered as Nicolaus. Over the centuries, Nicolai has been associated with various saints and scholars, contributing to its enduring presence in Christian nomenclature.

Culturally, the name Nicolai carries connotations of leadership and benevolence, reflecting the virtues associated with its etymological roots. In many cultures, the name is celebrated for its historical significance and its connection to figures of moral authority.

The diminutive form, Niko, is often used in various languages, maintaining the name's relevance across different cultures. Overall, Nicolai embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural significance, making it a name with deep historical roots.

Famous people named Nicolai

Nicolai Tesla is an inventor and electrical engineer best known for the development of alternating current, the Tesla coil, and contributions to the design of the modern electrical supply system.

Nicolai Gogol is a writer best known for Dead Souls, The Overcoat, and The Government Inspector.

Nicolai Fraiture is a musician best known as the bassist for the band The Strokes.

Nicolai Dunger is a singer-songwriter best known for his albums Sweetheart and The World Is Not Enough.

Fictional characters named Nicolai

Nicolai is a fictional character from the video game series Metal Gear. He is a member of the elite unit known as FOXHOUND, contributing to the overarching narrative of espionage and warfare.

Sibling suggestions

Mikhail Alexei Dmitri Sofia Anastasia Tatiana

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Nicolai was first seen in the United States in 1962. Nicolai has ranked as high as #1316 nationally, which occurred in 2015, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Virginia. In the past 5 years the name Nicolai has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Nicolai (2024)

Year:

State	Births	Share
CA	12	71%
TX	5	29%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

Year	Births
1962	6
1969	6
1974	5
1975	10
1976	13
1977	7
1978	6
1979	7
1980	8
1981	11
1982	5
1983	15
1984	11
1985	10
1986	16
1987	9
1988	14
1989	26
1990	36
1991	22
1992	23
1993	20
1994	32
1995	41
1996	23
1997	30
1998	29
1999	28
2000	30
2001	27
2002	30
2003	45
2004	47
2005	48
2006	57
2007	50
2008	70
2009	59
2010	60
2011	50
2012	63
2013	60
2014	68
2015	78
2016	66
2017	45
2018	62
2019	55
2020	50
2021	50
2022	68
2023	54
2024	52