Nicole Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ni-KOHL //nɪˈkoʊl//
Origin: French; Greek
Meaning: Victory of the people (French); People's victory (Greek)
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Nicole 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 Old French as Nicolas. From Old French, it transitioned into the English form Nicole, which emerged as a feminine variant of Nicolas.
The name Nicole has been in use since the Middle Ages, gaining popularity in various European cultures, particularly in France and England. Historically, the name is associated with several notable figures, including Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop of Myra, who became a prominent Christian saint and is often celebrated for his generosity and kindness.
His feast day, December 6, became a significant occasion in many Christian traditions, further embedding the name into cultural consciousness. The name gained additional prominence through the influence of the Renaissance and the Reformation, as biblical translations and hagiographies brought attention to saints and their virtues.
Culturally, Nicole has been embraced in various artistic and literary contexts, often symbolizing grace and strength. The name's association with victory through its etymological roots resonates with themes of triumph and leadership.
In addition, diminutive forms such as Nicolette have also appeared in literature and folklore, enhancing the name's appeal and versatility. Overall, Nicole reflects a rich historical tapestry, embodying both cultural significance and linguistic evolution.
Famous people named Nicole
Nicole Kidman is an actress and producer best known for Moulin Rouge!, The Hours, and Big Little Lies.
Nicole Scherzinger is a singer and television personality best known for her work with The Pussycat Dolls, as well as for her solo career and appearances on The X Factor.
Nicole Richie is a television personality, fashion designer, and author best known for her role on The Simple Life and her fashion brand House of Harlow 1960.
Nicole Polizzi is a television personality best known for her role on Jersey Shore.
Nicole Byer is a comedian and actress best known for her work on Nailed It! and her stand-up comedy specials.
Fictional characters named Nicole
Nicole Watterson is a fictional character from the animated television series The Amazing World of Gumball. She is the mother of Gumball and Darwin, known for her strong personality and protective nature towards her family.
Nicole Bristow is a fictional character from the television series Zoey 101. She is a student at Pacific Coast Academy and serves as a loyal friend to the main character, Zoey Brooks.
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Nicole was first seen in the United States in 1937.
Nicole has ranked as high as #25 nationally, which occurred in 1985, and has been most popular in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New Jersey.
In the past 5 years the name Nicole has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Nicole (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 153 | |
| TX | 144 | |
| FL | 117 | |
| NY | 64 | |
| IL | 50 | |
| PA | 27 | |
| NJ | 26 | |
| AZ | 25 | |
| GA | 24 | |
| WA | 23 | |
| VA | 21 | |
| NC | 20 | |
| UT | 20 | |
| CO | 16 | |
| MA | 16 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1937 | 9 |
| 1938 | 7 |
| 1939 | 12 |
| 1940 | 25 |
| 1941 | 31 |
| 1942 | 70 |
| 1943 | 89 |
| 1944 | 58 |
| 1945 | 61 |
| 1946 | 80 |
| 1947 | 66 |
| 1948 | 68 |
| 1949 | 68 |
| 1950 | 89 |
| 1951 | 94 |
| 1952 | 103 |
| 1953 | 120 |
| 1954 | 110 |
| 1955 | 120 |
| 1956 | 153 |
| 1957 | 141 |
| 1958 | 180 |
| 1959 | 205 |
| 1960 | 243 |
| 1961 | 273 |
| 1962 | 565 |
| 1963 | 655 |
| 1964 | 831 |
| 1965 | 898 |
| 1966 | 2,029 |
| 1967 | 2,776 |
| 1968 | 3,083 |
| 1969 | 7,212 |
| 1970 | 10,691 |
| 1971 | 10,423 |
| 1972 | 15,755 |
| 1973 | 13,922 |
| 1974 | 13,114 |
| 1975 | 14,277 |
| 1976 | 14,452 |
| 1977 | 15,247 |
| 1978 | 17,280 |
| 1979 | 19,509 |
| 1980 | 19,917 |
| 1981 | 20,311 |
| 1982 | 21,706 |
| 1983 | 22,400 |
| 1984 | 22,271 |
| 1985 | 22,967 |
| 1986 | 21,292 |
| 1987 | 20,286 |
| 1988 | 20,314 |
| 1989 | 19,034 |
| 1990 | 17,953 |
| 1991 | 16,047 |
| 1992 | 16,325 |
| 1993 | 16,183 |
| 1994 | 16,011 |
| 1995 | 12,277 |
| 1996 | 11,134 |
| 1997 | 10,744 |
| 1998 | 9,911 |
| 1999 | 9,515 |
| 2000 | 8,562 |
| 2001 | 7,820 |
| 2002 | 6,974 |
| 2003 | 6,235 |
| 2004 | 5,741 |
| 2005 | 4,993 |
| 2006 | 4,322 |
| 2007 | 3,873 |
| 2008 | 3,290 |
| 2009 | 2,770 |
| 2010 | 2,570 |
| 2011 | 2,655 |
| 2012 | 2,661 |
| 2013 | 3,351 |
| 2014 | 2,540 |
| 2015 | 2,116 |
| 2016 | 1,954 |
| 2017 | 1,664 |
| 2018 | 1,429 |
| 2019 | 1,365 |
| 2020 | 1,163 |
| 2021 | 954 |
| 2022 | 995 |
| 2023 | 941 |
| 2024 | 961 |