Nikolaus

Nikolaus is the German form of the Greek name Nikolaos, composed of the elements nike, meaning victory, and laos, meaning people, giving the combined sense of victory of the people. The name was borne most famously by Saint Nicholas of Myra, a fourth-century bishop whose legendary generosity made him one of the most venerated saints in both Eastern and Western Christianity and the basis for the modern figure of Santa Claus. The name spread widely across Europe through devotion to this saint, producing numerous cognates and variants including Nicholas, Nicolas, Nikolas, Niklaus, Nicolaus, and Mikulas.