Nikos is a very common Greek male name; it derives from the name Nikolaos or Nicholas which means victory of the people, as it comes from the Greek words “nike” (victory) and laos which means people.
Sound of name Nikos: Ni’-kos
Nameday of Name Nikos: December 6th
Female Version of Name Nikos: Niki, Nikoletta
Origin of name Nikos – Saint Nicholas
Name Nikos comes from Nikolaos, referring to Saint Nicholas, who was born at the 3rd century AD in Lycia, in a rich family. His parents died when he was very young and he inherited a large fortune, but he decided to dedicate his life to the Christian God and the spreading of Christian religion. He left his homeland to go to Jerusalem and later he became episcope of Patara. When the Archbishop of Lycia died, Nicholas became the new Archbishop of Lycia. His position allowed him to spread his activities all over Africa, Asia and Europe, protecting poor people and dedicating his work to the protection of needy people and the foundation of humanitarian institutions. Diocletian, the Emperor, though, who was the biggest prosecutor of Christian Religion, arrested Nicholas, who died because of tortures. For his philanthropic actions Nicholas became Saint in both Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Church.
Interesting Facts about St Nicholas
St Nicholas is the protector of the sailors and the protector of the Greek Navy, because there are many miracles in the sea, associated with St Nicholas. He is also the protector of Agios Nikolaos, a Prefecture on the Eastern Part of the island of Crete, that bears his name. The interesting part about St Nicholas is that in the West, St Nicholas is called Santa Claus and he is Father Christmas. In Greece and other Orthodox countries, Father Christmas is Saint Basil, who is also wearing red clothes and has a white beard.
Nicknames deriving from the name Nikolaos
Name Nikolaos, as a common name, has several nicknames, such as: Nikos, Nikolas, Nikolis, Nikolos, Nick, Nikolakis
The Names’ Fairy reveals the meaning of the name Nikos
Nikos is a very sensitive man, prone to lies since he wants to protect his people from being hurt. He is always in good terms with both men and women and he is always trying to please everyone.