Nicol

Origin and Meaning Nicol is a surname of Scottish origin derived from the given name Nicholas, meaning "victory of the people". The name Nicholas has ancient Greek roots and was popularised in Britain by the Norman Conquest in the 11th century.

History The surname Nicol has been present in Scotland since medieval times. It is believed to have first emerged in the region of Aberdeen. Over the centuries, bearers of the name Nicol spread across Scotland and England, establishing themselves in various communities and professions.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Nicol include Sir Hugh Nicol, a renowned Scottish judge and Member of Parliament, and Dr. John Nicol, a distinguished British physician and scholar.

Distribution The surname Nicol is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the north-eastern regions. However, Nicol families have also settled in other parts of the United Kingdom, as well as in countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United States.

Variants Variants of the surname Nicol include Nichol, Nicholl, Nicholls, Nichols, and Nicoll. These variations reflect regional accents and historical spelling conventions.

Coat of Arms The Nicol family is associated with a coat of arms that typically features traditional Scottish heraldic symbols such as lions, thistles, and a motto representing the values and identity of the clan.

Today, the surname Nicol continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a connection to its Scottish heritage and the enduring legacy of the name Nicholas.

There are approximately 11,665 people named Nicol in the UK. That makes it the 784th most common surname in Britain. Around 179 in a million people in Britain are named Nicol.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Angela
  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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