Surname Nicklaus - Meaning and Origin
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Nicklaus: What does the surname Nicklaus mean?
The last name Nicklaus is of German origin and has several different possible meanings. It could come from the old Germanic personal name Niklaus, which translates to “victory of the people” or “peoples' victory.” It could also be derived from the Old German element Nic- meaning “victor” or “winner.”
The name Nicklaus has often been connected to the great golfing legend, Jack Nicklaus, otherwise known as “The Golden Bear.” Born in 1940, Jack Nicklaus is well known for his numerous championship titles won throughout his career and his leadership in golf course design. It is likely that his success has had an influence on the name, especially since Nicklaus means “victor” or “winner.”
The name Nicklaus generally signifies someone who is victorious, ambitious, and competitive. For this reason, many parents choose this name for their children, hoping that they grow up to be winners in the game of life. As a result, the name has become popular among families and continues to be a celebrated choice.
Order DNA origin analysisNicklaus: Where does the name Nicklaus come from?
The last name Nicklaus is most commonly found in Germany, with an estimated 40,000 people carrying the surname. In the United States, roughly 8,000 people carry the last name Nicklaus, with the highest concentration of them living in the state of Ohio.
Those carrying the last name Nicklaus usually trace their heritage back to the Middle Ages in what is now Germany. The surname is believed to have gone through many incarnations, gradually transforming into the modern spelling. The earliest mentions of the name can be found in old parish books on the Rhine River, where the name Nickenloac is found in the year 900 AD.
Today, the last name Nicklaus can be found across the world, with people carrying the name living in France, England, the United States, Australia, Canada, and other countries. The universal appeal of the name is likely due to its association with the legendary golfer, Jack Nicklaus, who is widely revered as one of the greatest golfers of all time.
The last name Nicklaus still carries a great deal of prestige today, and it is certain to remain popular for many generations to come.
Variations of the surname Nicklaus
The surname Nicklaus has a few variations and associated spellings, such as Niklaus, Nikolus, and Niklauss with some alternate spelling being Mac Nicklaus, McNicklaus, McNiklaus, and McNiklauss. Other variants and surnames associated with this name are Nickl, Nickles, and Nikkels.
Nicklaus as a surname, is Germanic in origin and derived from the personal name “Niklaus”. The Old Germanic form “Nik” is the basis of many German surnames like Nikolaus, Nickel, Niklas, and Nikoleit. In its later pronunciation, the ending “-laus” was added, forming the masculine personal name of “Niklaus”.
The name can also be a variation of Nikolai, the Russian name derived from Nicholas which was a very popular name in the middle ages. It is derived from the Greek "Νικόλαος," or "Nikolaos" which was an epithet of Apollo, who was the god of victory in Greek Mythology.
The surname Nicklaus can also be found across various parts of the world including Germany, Sweden and the United States. In the United States, the surname distribution is most common in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin with a total 1,512 carriers of the surname.
Nicklaus is often a patronymic name of asyncopation; a surname which results from the clipping of a longer surname. Other surnames with the same origin include Nickel, Niklas, Nikoleit, and Niklaus. This form of asynchronous surname formation was occasionally used in the 17th and 18th centuries in the German-speaking areas of Europe.
Famous people with the name Nicklaus
- Jack Nicklaus: Known as "The Golden Bear", Jack Nicklaus is one of the most famous and celebrated golfers in history. Winner of eighteen major titles and three honorary Doctor of Laws Degrees, he is also a successful businessman and philanthropist.
- Barbara Nicklaus: Wife of Jack Nicklaus and co-founder of the Barbara Potts Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. She is a champion of causes helping children with life-threatening illnesses.
- Gary Nicklaus: Jack Nicklaus' son, Gary is a professional golfer and holder of his own golf course design business, Nicklaus Design.
- Steve Nicklaus: jack Nicklaus' son and co-founder of the Nicklaus Companies with Jack and Barbara. He serves as executive vice president of business development for the Nicklaus Companies.
- Nan Nicklaus: Daughter of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, Nan is a sportswriter and author who has written extensively about golf and other sports.
- Margaret Nicklaus: Daughter of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, Margaret is a freelance producer and founder of the Heart in the Game organization which she runs with Nan.
- Nick O’Leary: Grandson of Jack Nicholas and a tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2015.
- Gregory Nicklaus: Son of Gary and son-in-law of Jack, Gregory is executive vice president of business development for the Nicklaus Companies.
- William Nicklaus: Son of Gary, William is a professional golfer and the caddie master at Bear's Club in Florida.
- Kelly Nicklaus: Daughter of Gary and Director of Business Development at the Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf.