Nikolaas

Nikolaas is the Dutch 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. The name was borne by Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop whose legendary generosity made him one of the most venerated saints in both Eastern and Western Christianity. The Dutch form Nikolaas is an uncommon variant within the Netherlands, where Nicolaas and the shortened form Klaas are far more widely used. Related forms include Nicholas in English, Nikolaus in German, Nicola in Italian, and Nikolaj in Scandinavian and Slavic traditions.