McNicholas

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Nicholas, derived from the Greek 'Nikolaos' meaning 'victory of the people.'

Etymology

The 'Mc' prefix means 'son of' in Scottish Gaelic. Nicholas comes from the Greek Nikolaos, a name that became common throughout Christian Europe.

About the McNicholas Surname

A Scottish patronymic surname indicating descent from an ancestor named Nicholas. The name appears less frequently than other Mc- surnames but maintains consistent Scottish roots.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 5,500 bearers in the United States #1,638 most common surname
Rare Common

Found in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with moderate presence in North America.

McNicholas Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

Notable Bearers

People with the McNicholas Surname