Holding steady.
Popularity of Nicolae since 2003
Babies named Nicolae per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 67 |
| 2010s | 76 |
| 2020s | 31 |
Meaning & origin
Nicolae is a Romanian form of Nicholas, sharing the same Greek roots meaning 'victory of the people.' The name first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 2003, with its peak year of usage in 2010. Although not currently ranked in the top 1000, it has maintained a stable trajectory, with no dramatic declines or surges. The name has been borne by families of Romanian heritage, often honoring Eastern European traditions. While it has not been associated with any top states in recent data, its steady presence reflects a consistent, if niche, appeal in the United States.
Nicolae is the Romanian form of Nicholas, derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, from "nikē" (victory) and "laos" (people). It has been a common given name in Romania for centuries, closely associated with Saint Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop known for his generosity. The name has maintained steady popularity in Romanian-speaking communities.
“Nicolae” around the world
Where Nicolae lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nicu, Nico, Nae
Variants: Nikolae, Nicolai
Sibling names for Nicolae
Names that share Nicolae's style, for a brother or sister.
