Nicholas is derived from the Greek Nikolaos, a name that evolved from the components nikē, meaning “victory”, and laos, “people.” It shares origins with Nike, the name of the Greek goddess of victory. Nicholas is also a New Testament name that is well-used in literature, such as in Dickens's Nicholas Nickleby.

And then there's St. Nicholas who, in addition to bringing bags of toys once a year, is also the patron saint of schoolchildren, mechanics, sailors, scholars, brides, bakers, travelers, and Russia, where the name was a star of the czarist dynasty.

Nicholas, though it has lost some ground (it was in the Top 10 from 1993 to 2002), is still a popular classic that would make an attractive, solid choice.

Along with this historical depth, Nicholas, and nicknames Nick and Nicky, project an aura of masculine panache, and has long been a favorite of writers for rich boys, Romeos, thugs and detective characters.

Offshoots Cole and Colin have long had lives of their own. Short form Nico is hot and getting hotter.

ncG1vNJzZmimkaKyo7HRq7Bnm5%2BifKOtwbKlmqWVZLuqr8eoo5qr