Surname Nicol - Meaning and Origin
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Nicol: What does the surname Nicol mean?
The last name Nicol is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Nicholas, meaning "victory of the people" in Greek. This name was popular among Christians throughout Europe in the Middle Ages, mainly due to the fame of the 4th-century saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of children, merchants and sailors, among others. Variations of the name Nicholas became famous in different regions, "Nicol" primarily being used in Scotland. Over time, as it got handed down to the offspring of people named Nicol, it became a surname. However, it's necessary to note that the exact origins and interpretations of surnames can vary widely and may also be shaped by local traditions and dialects; therefore, there might be alternative origins or meanings to the surname Nicol.
Order DNA origin analysisNicol: Where does the name Nicol come from?
The Nicol surname is most commonly found today in Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. It is also found in the United States, Canada, and Australia. In Scotland, the Nicol surname is most commonly found in East Lothian and coastal Angus and Fife. In England, the Nicol surname is most prevalent in Essex, Kent, and Leicestershire. In Northern Ireland, it is most commonly found in County Armagh and County Down.
The name was brought to Scotland in the fifteenth century by Norse settlers, who were descendants of the Vikings. As a result, the name is also found in some Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. It is also found in some European countries, such as Germany, France, and Italy.
Since its introduction to Scotland during the 15th century, the Nicol surname has been very popular in that country over the centuries. In some regions, there is even a Nicol clan that is part of the sept or subdivision of the wider Scottish Clan MacDonald. As a result, many people with the Nicol surname in Scotland can trace their ancestry to the region of the McDonalds.
Overall, the Nicol surname is still a very common name across the British Isles and beyond. It is likely to remain a popular choice for many families in the years to come.
Variations of the surname Nicol
The surname Nicol is of Scottish origin and is derived from the given name Nicholas. It is a patronymic surname, which means that it is derived from the given name of an ancestor, usually the father or a paternal ancestor. Variants of the surname Nicol include Nicoll, Nicolle, Nicolls, Nicolle, Nicholl and Nichols.
The spelling Nicolle is of French origin and can be found in areas such as Normandy, Orne, and Torraine. This variant of the surname is generally found in Canada and the southern United States.
Nicolle is also derived from the old French nickname Nicolet, which means little Nicholas, or little Nicols. This variant of the surname is found in the Bahamas, Canada, England, Malta and other countries of the British Isles.
Nichol and Nicholl are other variants of the surname Nicol. Nichol is found mainly in England, while Nicholl is found mainly in Scotland. The spelling variant Nicholls is a variant of the Welsh surname derived from the given name NICHOLAS. This variant of the surname Nicol is found predominantly in England and Wales.
The name Nichols is also of Welsh origin and derived from the given name Nicholas. This variant of the surname is most commonly found in Wales, the United States, Canada and England.
Finally, the variant Nicols is also derived from the given name Nicholas. This variant is found more commonly in Scotland and the United States, but is also found in other countries across the globe.
Famous people with the name Nicol
- Owen Fitzpatrick Nicol (1831: 1909, Irish-American Civil War soldier)
- Charles Nicol (1860: 1952, British Best Supporting Actor Academy Award winner)
- John Nicol (1769: 1847, Scottish-American Revolutionary War hero)
- Dave Nicol (born 1965, British rugby union player)
- Saville Nicol (1800: 1854, British Royal Navy officer)
- Todd Nicol (born 1990, Scottish footballer)
- Roger Nicol (born 1947, British racing driver)
- Jimmy Nicol (born 1939, British musician and drummer)
- Conan Nicol (born 1978, Irish television presenter)
- Roderick Nicol (1834: 1916, Scottish shipbuilder and businessman)
- Ianazzo Nicol (1864: 1922, Italian Piedmontese priest and Christian writer)
- Gregg Nicol (born 1993, American football player)
- Dave Nicol (born 1949, Welsh cricketer)
- Eleanor Nicol (born 1985, British singer-songwriter and actress)
- Otis Lee Nicol (born 1942, American actor)
- Kasey Suffredini and Grace Nicol (born 1982 and 1985, American trans activists)
- Colin Nicol (born 1953, Scottish-born Canadian singer-songwriter)
- Dave Nicol (born 1949, New Zealand rower)
- Sir Harry Nicol, 1st Baronet (1857: 1941, British Army officer)
- Miles Nicol (1737: 1826, English theologian)