Nicolai
/ˈnɪkəlaɪ/noun
A surname and given-name form derived from Nicholas, used in several European languages.
Did you know?Nicolai ultimately comes from the same Greek name that gave English Nicholas, and its first element is the same root behind democracy’s *dem-* (“people”).
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Nikólaos (Νικόλαος)
“A personal name meaning “victory of the people” or “people’s victory.””
Late Latin
Latin
Nicolaus
“The Latinized form of the Greek personal name.”
Old French
Old French
Nicholas / Nicolai
“Medieval French and related European forms of the name.”
Middle English
English
Nicholas
“A common male given name, especially through Christian tradition.”
Modern English
English
Nicolai
“A surname or given-name variant found in several European languages.”