"victory of the people"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Nicodemus
Boy Name
#3,331 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
4 Syllables
An ancient Biblical name with aristocratic gravitas
Biblical
English
Polish
German
Literary
Vintage
Classic
Strong
Traditional
Meaning & Origin
"conqueror of the people"
Origin: Greek
Language: Biblical Greek
The Story of Nicodemus
Nicodemus is the Latinized form of the Greek 'Nikodemos,' a compound of 'nike' (victory) and 'demos' (people) — literally 'victory of the people.' The name appears in the New Testament as a Pharisee and secret disciple of Jesus who visited him by night and later assisted with his burial. The name was carried through medieval Europe by the Church and has persisted as a rare but dignified choice for parents drawn to its biblical weight.
Nicodemus has never been common in the English-speaking world, hovering in rare-name territory. It sees modest use among families seeking a Biblical name with gravitas and literary charm, particularly in academic and religious communities.
Nicodemus holds significant importance in Christianity as the Pharisee who asked Jesus about being 'born again.' He is venerated as a saint in Catholic, Orthodox, and Coptic traditions. In Poland, Nikodem is celebrated as a name day on June 3. The town of Nicodemus, Kansas — founded by freed slaves after the Civil War — honors this name.
Fun Facts
- Nicodemus appears three times in the Gospel of John, making him more prominent than many apostles
- The town of Nicodemus, Kansas, founded by freed slaves in 1877, is now a National Historic Site
- Nikodem is currently a top-100 name in Poland
Nicodemus in Other Languages
Greek
Νικόδημος
Polish
Nikodem
Italian
Nicodemo
Russian
Никодим
Spanish
Nicodemo
Famous People Named Nicodemus
N
Nicodemus
Religious
Biblical Pharisee and secret disciple of Jesus, featured prominently in the Gospel of John
N
Nicodemus (Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH) Fictional
Other
Wise elder rat leader in Robert C. O'Brien's classic children's novel
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #3,331
- Total SSA Count
- 35
- Cultural Origins
- Biblical English Polish German
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Nick
Nico
Demi
Pairs Well With
Nicodemus James
Nicodemus John
Nicodemus William
Nicodemus Thomas
Nicodemus Alexander
Nicodemus Paul
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nicodemus
What does the name Nicodemus mean?
"victory of the people" (from Greek). "conqueror of the people" (from Greek). Nicodemus is the Latinized form of the Greek 'Nikodemos,' a compound of 'nike' (victory) and 'demos' (people) — literally 'victory of the people.' The name appears in the New Testament as a Pharisee and secret disciple of Jesus who visited him by night and later assisted with his burial. The name was carried through medieval Europe by the Church and has persisted as a rare but dignified choice for parents drawn to its biblical weight.
What is the origin of the name Nicodemus?
Nicodemus has Greek, Biblical, English, Polish, and German origins. In Greek, it means "victory of the people". In Greek, it means "conqueror of the people".
Is Nicodemus a boy or girl name?
Nicodemus is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Nicodemus?
Nicodemus is currently ranked #3331 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Nicodemus?
Common nicknames for Nicodemus include Nick, Nico, and Demi.
What are good middle names for Nicodemus?
Popular middle name pairings include Nicodemus James, Nicodemus John, Nicodemus William, Nicodemus Thomas, Nicodemus Alexander, and Nicodemus Paul.
What are good sibling names for Nicodemus?
Names that pair well with Nicodemus as siblings include Bartholomew, Thaddeus, Cornelius, Sebastian, Magdalene, Prudence, and Ignatius.
How many syllables does Nicodemus have?
Nicodemus has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Nicodemus a common or rare name?
Nicodemus is an uncommon name, ranked #3331 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Nicodemus
Nicodemus is a boy name with Biblical, English, Polish, and German origins . The name means "victory of the people" in Greek .
Nicodemus is currently ranked #3,331 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Nicodemus has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Nicodemus include Nick, Nico, and Demi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Nicodemus include Nicolas, Nico, Nicolai, Nicolo, Nicola . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.