Nikolai

Nikolai is the Russian and Bulgarian form of Nicholas, ultimately derived from the ancient 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 spread widely through the Christian world largely due to the veneration of Saint Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop of Myra whose legendary generosity inspired the later figure of Santa Claus. Nikolai was borne by several Russian tsars, most notably Nicholas II, the last emperor of Russia. Closely related forms include Nikolaj, Nikolay, Nikola, and the familiar diminutive Kolya.