Last Name Nicol

The origin of the last name "Nicol" can be traced back to different countries and cultures. 1. Scotland: In Scotland, the surname "Nicol" is derived from the popular given name "Nicholas." It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it is based on the father's name. "Nicol" is a variation of the surname "Nicholson," which is derived from "Son of Nicholas." 2. England: In England, the surname "Nicol" is also derived from the given name "Nicholas." It could have been used as a patronymic surname or as a nickname for someone named Nicholas. 3. Eastern Europe: Additionally, "Nicol" can also be a variant of the surname "Nikolov," primarily found in Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria and Russia. "Nikolov" is derived from the given name "Nikolay," which was a common name among Christians in those regions. Over time, variations such as "Nicol" emerged. Overall, the origin of the last name "Nicol" can be found in Scotland, England, and Eastern Europe, primarily associated with the given name "Nicholas" or its variations.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Nicol

The surname Nicol has multiple possible origins and meanings. It is derived from the personal name Nicholas, which itself has Greek origins and means "victory of the people." As a surname, Nicol could have originated as a patronymic surname, indicating that an individual was the son of a man named Nicholas. In some cases, it may have also been acquired as a medieval nickname for someone who resembled a Nicholas or exhibited characteristics associated with the name, such as kindness or generosity.

The surname Nicol is found in various parts of the world, including Scotland, England, France, and other European countries. In Scotland, it is primarily associated with the northeastern region, where it is thought to have been brought by Norman settlers. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of Nicol may have undergone changes to adapt to different languages and dialects. Today, the surname Nicol continues to be borne by individuals descended from earlier bearers and has become established as a family name with a diverse range of lineages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nicol

The last name Nicol has a fairly widespread geographical distribution, with pockets of concentration found in various parts of the world. It is particularly prevalent in Scotland, as it is of Scottish origin, and can be traced back to the medieval times. In Scotland, you can find Nicola and its variations, such as Nichol and Nicholl, in regions like Aberdeenshire, Lanarkshire, and Orkney. Additionally, there is a significant presence of the name in other English-speaking countries, including Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, which can be attributed to migration patterns from Scotland. In these countries, the name Nicol is often found among descendants of Scottish immigrants. Furthermore, due to global mobility and intermarriage, individuals with the last name Nicol can also be found in various other parts of the world, making it a truly international surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nicol

The last name Nicol, also spelled as Nicola, Nicoll, Nichol, Nicholl, and Nickoll, has various common variations and spellings. These variations originated from different regions and periods, resulting in diverse spellings. Nicol, as the primary spelling, is commonly found in Scotland and is derived from the Gaelic name MacNeacail or MacNicail. Nicola is an Italian variation of the surname, often associated with Italy and Italian heritage. Nicoll, Nichol, and Nicholl are common English spellings of the last name, frequently found in England and other English-speaking countries. Both Nicoll and Nicholl can be traced back to Scottish origins. Nickoll is a less common variation of the surname, occasionally found in English-speaking countries. The multiple variations and spellings of the last name Nicol reflect the global nature of the name's origin and the influence of different cultures throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Nicol

There have been several notable individuals with the last name Nicol who have left their mark in various domains. One such individual is Alexander Nicol, a prominent Scottish painter who rose to fame in the late 19th century. His vivid and detailed landscapes captivated audiences, demonstrating his exceptional talent as an artist. Another renowned figure is Andrew Nicol, a respected Australian cricketer who played a pivotal role in the sport during the late 20th century. His exceptional batting and remarkable fielding skills earned him numerous accolades and solidified his position as one of Australia's most accomplished cricketers. Additionally, Greg Nicol, a renowned Scottish playwright, showcased his creative prowess with numerous critically acclaimed theatrical productions. His thought-provoking narratives and compelling characters left a lasting impact on the world of theater. These notable individuals with the last name Nicol have each contributed significantly to their respective fields, leaving a valuable artistic and sporting legacy for future generations.

Genealogical research on the last name Nicol

The family name Nicol is of Scottish origin, derived from the given name "Nicholas," which has Greek roots meaning "victory of the people." The Nicol surname can be traced back to the 13th century, with notable records of individuals bearing this name found in ancient Scottish records.
One prominent branch of the Nicol family was believed to have settled in the Shetland Islands, located to the northeast of mainland Scotland. Over time, the family expanded to other regions, including Aberdeen and various parts of northern Scotland. In addition, migration and emigration from Scotland brought individuals with the Nicol surname to other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.
Genealogical research on the Nicol family name often involves exploring birth records, census data, marriage documents, passenger lists, and other historical records to trace individual family lines and connections throughout the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Nicol"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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