Surname Nicoll - Meaning and Origin
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Nicoll: What does the surname Nicoll mean?
The last name Nicoll is of Scottish origin and is believed to derive from the Greek 'Nikolaos', meaning 'Victory people'. This was a common Christian name during the Medieval period, thus the frequent use of Nicoll or Nichol as a surname. The name was likely used to identify 'the son of Nichol'. In Scotland, the surnames starting with 'Mac' such as MacNichol, are used to denote 'son of Nicoll'. Variations of the surname include Nichols, Nicol, Nicolle, Nicolls, Nicholls, and many others. Over time, the name spread to other countries and regions through migration, hence it can be found in countries other than Scotland. Given its meaning, the surname Nicoll may symbolize strength, victory, and resilience, reflecting desirable traits within a community.
Order DNA origin analysisNicoll: Where does the name Nicoll come from?
The surname Nicoll is most common in Scotland, particularly in the counties of Fife and Angus, as well as in London and in the South East of England. The name appears to have originated in the North-East of Scotland and is a variant of the name MacNicol.
According to the 1881 UK Census, the county of Fife was the most popular place for the surname, accounting for over a quarter of Nicoll households in the country that year. The larger metropolitan areas such as London and the South East also had significant numbers of Nicoll households, with their popularity continuing today.
People with the Nicoll surname have spread across the world, with descendants being found today in the USA, Canada, Australia, and throughout Europe. Nicolls are still particularly popular in Scotland, however, with over 2,000 people bearing the name today. This is significantly higher than the other countries where the name is present, making Scotland the most populous country for Nicolls in the world.
Nicolls are also clustered in certain parts of Scotland, with individuals carrying the name most likely to be found in Fife and Angus. Nicoll families in the 1881 census were also found commonly in the suburbs of Edinburgh, in Aberdeen and in the Outer Hebrides, such as on the Isle of Skye.
Nicolls today still bear a strong presence in Scotland and around the world, accounting for a significant percentage of the population in certain areas. The Nicoll surname is likely to continue to thrive over time, with its spread furthering over the globe.
Variations of the surname Nicoll
The Nicoll surname originates from Scotland. In the 16th century, it was most commonly spelt as Nicholl or Nichol. The spelling has changed over the years, and the surname can be seen with variations such as Nicoll, Nicol, Nicolls, Nicolson, Nicoles, Nicols, Nicolle, and Nicholls.
Nicoll is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic MacNeill, which means ‘son of Neill’. Neill is a pet form of Niall, which in turn comes from ‘niadh’, meaning champion. The clan had many branches in Scotland and some migrated to England. Early recordings include Richard Niccol in 1165’ Dunfermline in Fife; John Nicholl in 1296 in the Ragman Roll; Alan Nicoll in 1442 in Aberdeen; and Alisoun Nicoll in 1451 in Stirling. This clan was strong in the Lowlands of Scotland.
The Nicoll surname is fairly common in Scotland. It is also found in Australia, the United States and Canada. Some of the variations of the Nicoll surname have been anglicized, such as the Nicholson and Nicolson surnames. Other surnames of similar origin include the Scotland-based family names McNeill and MacNeill, as well as the Irish names O’Neill, Neal, Neill, MacNeil and MacNeall, all of which mean ‘son of Niall.’
Famous people with the name Nicoll
- Lydia Nicoll: American actress and singer, known for her roles in Los Feliz and The Guardian
- Canal+ Nicoll (born Peter Nicoll): popular French rapper and graffiti artist
- Joss Nicoll: English illustrator who works in both traditional and digital art forms
- Carrivick Sisters (aka Hannah and Charlotte Nicoll): English folk duo
- Ian Nicoll: British record producer and mixing/mastering engineer
- Stephen Nicoll: New Zealand politician and former Cabinet minister
- Janet Nicoll: American artist best known for her miniature art and murals
- Brian Nicoll: American author and musician
- Chloe Nicoll: professional Scottish golfer
- David Nicoll: British physicist and noted physicist in Fiber Optic communication networks