Nikolaos is the original Greek form of Nicholas, from nike, victory, and laos, people, and so it means "victory of the people". Saint Nicholas of Myra, the fourth century bishop who inspired Santa Claus, is still one of the most venerated saints in Greece, where the name remains a classic. In the United States Nikolaos is chosen mostly by Greek American families: it ranked number 2903 in 2000, peaked at number 2289 in 2014 and stood at number 2591 in 2025 with 51 boys.