30 Names to Substitute for Nicholas
- Homer
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"security, pledge"Description:
Homer is a name that has traveled from the ancient Greek scribe of the great classical epics to Bart Simpson's doltish dad, and has also become the surprise hot celebrity pick of such parents as Richard Gere (his father's name), Bill Murray, and Anne Heche. Simpsons creator Matt Groening has both a father and a son named Homer.
- Niven
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"little saint"Description:
Excellent candidate for use as an undiscovered surname name. Niven is the Anglicized spelling of the Irish name Naomhan, a diminutive of the word naomh which means saint. This handsome but unusual name was given to only six boys in the US last year. Your parents may be familiar with actor David Niven.
- Dominick
Origin:
Variation of Latin DominicMeaning:
"belonging to the Lord"Description:
This is the second-to-the-original spelling of a name that's part Jersey Shore, part upper-crust British. Dominick gets you more directly to nickname Nick.
- Nikos
Origin:
Greek, diminutive of various names beginning with the element Niko-Description:
Attractive, approachable, and more striking Nick alternative.
- Kenyon
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"white haired or blond"Description:
Kenyon is a very engaging British surname name, the middle y giving it a kind of southwestern canyonesque undertone.
- Alexios
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Very popular on its native turf, foreign-sounding here.
- Plato
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"broad-shouldered"Description:
The name of one of the greatest Western philosophers is often used as a first name in its land of origin, Greece, and would make a really interesting, thought-provoking choice here. It is remembered here as the nickname of the memorable character played by Sal Mineo in the classic film "Rebel Without a Cause."
- Christos
Origin:
Greek, diminutive of ChristopherDescription:
A Greek classic.
- Nicol
Origin:
Scottish and English, medieval variation of NicholasDescription:
Often used in England, but here likely to be confused with the feminine Nicole. Nicol Williamson was a Scottish-born actor once described by playwright John Osborne as "the greatest actor since Marlon Brando".
- Nicholson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Nicol"Description:
If you're looking for a Nicholas substitute or namesake, Nicholson would make a more distinctive path to the likable nickname Nick, fitting in with other newer patronymics like Anderson and Harrison. Unusual but not outlandish, it is associated with writer Nicholson Baker, library advocate and author of Vox. And as a surname, of course, with Jack.