Nicolao

Nicolao is an Italian form of the Greek name Nikolaos, composed of the elements nike, meaning victory, and laos, meaning people, giving the overall sense of victory of the people. It represents an older or regional variant of the more common Italian form Nicola, preserving a Latinized ending influenced by medieval ecclesiastical usage. The name spread widely across Europe through the veneration of Saint Nicholas of Myra, the fourth-century bishop whose legendary generosity gave rise to the figure of Santa Claus. Related forms include Nicola, Nicolò, Nicolas, and Nicholas.