Nicole means the feminine form of Nicolas and originated in French from Ancient Greek.
Meaning and Origin
Nicole serves as both a feminine given name and as a surname. Borrowed into English from the French name Nicole, it is the feminine form of Nicolas, which is also written as Nicholas. The name comes from Ancient Greek as a female given name.
Pronunciation
Nicole is pronounced ni-KOHL in standard American English.
The name consists of two syllables. The first syllable is unstressed and uses a short i vowel that remains light and brief. The second syllable carries the primary emphasis and rhymes with ‘pole’, ‘soul’, ‘hole’, and ‘cole’. The stress falls squarely on the final syllable, creating an upbeat, rising rhythm when spoken aloud. This rising cadence allows the name to pair smoothly with both short and multi-syllable surnames.
Popularity in the US
In the United States, Nicole is most often given to girls and first appears in 1937, accumulating a total of 594,500 US girls given the name across the years. The name started quietly in 1950, holding rank number 955 with just 89 babies born that year. Its popularity accelerated rapidly over the next three decades, surging to rank number 7 with 19,917 babies in 1980 before achieving its peak rank of number 6 in 1982. It maintained strong national standing at the turn of the century in 2000 at rank number 31 with 8,563 babies, followed by an easing to rank number 123 with 2,570 babies in 2010. The downward shift continued over the next decade as it registered at rank number 266 with 1,163 babies in 2020. By 2025, the name settled at rank number 383 with 803 babies, concluding its movement from a top-ten staple to a less common everyday selection.
| Year | US rank (girls) | Babies named Nicole |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | #955 | 89 |
| 1980 | #7 | 19,917 |
| 2000 | #31 | 8,563 |
| 2010 | #123 | 2,570 |
| 2020 | #266 | 1,163 |
| 2025 | #383 | 803 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames
Common short forms of Nicole include Nic, Nikki, Niki, Cole, and Coley.
Many parents exploring meanings behind popular girl names choose Nicole because these informal options provide versatile everyday alternatives that can suit a child from early childhood into adulthood.
Famous People Named Nicole
- Nicole Kidman: An Australian and American actress and producer celebrated for her work across film and television. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for portraying Virginia Woolf in The Hours and received widespread critical praise for her leading roles in films such as Moulin Rouge!, The Others, and Cold Mountain. On television, she earned additional awards for producing and starring in the drama series Big Little Lies.
- Nicole Scherzinger: An American singer, dancer, and television personality who gained international fame as the lead singer of the musical group The Pussycat Dolls. Beyond her music career, she won the tenth season of the competition series Dancing with the Stars and served as a featured judge on major entertainment shows including The Sing-Off, The X Factor, and The Masked Singer.
- Nicole Richie: An American television personality, fashion designer, and author who first came to national attention alongside Paris Hilton on the reality series The Simple Life. She later expanded her career as a creative entrepreneur, founding the fashion and jewelry label House of Harlow 1960 and publishing multiple books while appearing as a judge on television design competitions.
Middle and Sibling Names
Popular middle names that pair naturally with Nicole include Anne, Claire, Elizabeth, Grace, Jane, Marie, Rose, and Charlotte.
Coordinating sibling names that share a balanced feel include Alexander, Benjamin, Chloe, Danielle, Gabriel, Julian, Sophie, and Lucas.
FAQ
When did the name Nicole first appear for American children?
Nicole first appears in the United States in 1937. That year marks its earliest counted presence for children in the country. By 1950, 89 baby girls received the name, beginning a steady upward path that would eventually make it one of the most recognizable choices in America.
How many girls in the United States have been given the name Nicole?
A total of 594,500 US girls have been given the name Nicole since 1937. This substantial figure demonstrates decades of widespread favor among parents nationwide. The bulk of that total accumulated during its peak era in the 1980s, when close to twenty thousand babies were given the name in single years such as 1980.
How does Nicole’s peak rank compare to its most recent standing?
Nicole reached its peak rank of number 6 in 1982, standing considerably higher than its 2025 rank of number 383. During its height in 1980, the name was chosen for 19,917 babies, whereas in 2025, it was given to 803 babies. This comparison highlights a significant transition from an elite top-ten fixture to a more moderate presence today.
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