Nikolaos

Nikolaos is the Greek form behind the international Nicholas family. Its elements are nike, meaning victory, and laos, meaning people. The name therefore has a direct Greek construction, while forms such as Nicholas, Nicolas, and Nikolai show how that construction has been adapted in other languages over many centuries.

In Greek everyday use, Nikos is a familiar shorter form, and Nikolas is another closely related version. The tradition of Saint Nicholas gives the name an important religious association as well as its linguistic history. Nikolaos retains the full Greek shape, making it a natural choice for families who want the connection with Greek language to remain visible in the complete name.