Nicholas

name

Etymology: From Middle English Nicholas, from Old French Nicholas, from Latin Nīcolāus, from Ancient Greek Νικόλαος (Nikólaos), from νίκη (níkē, “victory”) + λαός (laós, “people”).

1. A male given name from Ancient Greek, notably born by St. Nicholas of Myre, on whom Father Christmas is based.

   “Sirrah, if they meet not with Saint Nicholas’ clerks, I'll give thee this neck.”

   “I must call you Nick—we always did call you young Nick when we knew you meant to marry the old widow. Some said you had a handsome family likeness to old Nick, but that was your mother's fault, calling you Nicholas. Aren't you glad to see me again?”

2. A surname originating as a patronymic.
3. An unincorporated community in Fluvanna County, Virginia, United States.
4. A settlement on Saint Croix, United States Virgin Islands.