Nicholas written in Chinese
尼古拉斯 is the standard form used in media, dictionaries, and for foreign public figures, but it sounds clearly imported because the character choice follows pronunciation rather than native Chinese naming style.
3 real Chinese names for Nicholas
These are given names (the part after the family name) that echo the sound of Nicholas and read naturally to Chinese speakers.
1 · warm
Níngkǎi
“calm and open-hearted”
宁 picks up the opening "Ni" sound, and 恺 gives the name a crisp ending that loosely echoes Nicholas.
2 · bold
Kǎilín
“triumph blessed like rain”
凯 echoes the strong stressed sound in Nick-, while the full name has a smooth, masculine rhythm similar to Nicholas.
3 · classic
Kēníng
“steady and composed”
柯 gives a neat consonant-led beat that recalls the middle of Nicholas, and 宁 brings back the familiar "Ni" echo.
A nickname friends might use
小恺 Xiǎokǎi: little Kai; a friendly, cheerful nickname.
Add a Chinese family name
A full Chinese name puts the family name first: for example 李宁恺 (Lǐ Níngkǎi). Many people choose a Chinese surname that sounds like their own last name, and a given name that carries the element their birth chart lacks.
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Get my free Chinese profile →About the name Nicholas
Nicholas comes from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning "victory of the people."
Frequently asked questions
How do you say Nicholas in Chinese?
The standard transliteration is 尼古拉斯, pronounced Nígǔlāsī. 尼古拉斯 is the standard form used in media, dictionaries, and for foreign public figures, but it sounds clearly imported because the character choice follows pronunciation rather than native Chinese naming style.
What is a good Chinese name for Nicholas?
Natural options that echo the sound of Nicholas: 宁恺 (Níngkǎi, “calm and open-hearted”); 凯霖 (Kǎilín, “triumph blessed like rain”); 柯宁 (Kēníng, “steady and composed”). In a full Chinese name the family name comes first, followed by one of these given names.
How do you write Nicholas in Chinese characters?
As a transliteration: 尼古拉斯. As a real Chinese given name: for example 宁恺 (宁 = peaceful, steady, 恺 = joyful, generous).
Can I use 尼古拉斯 as my Chinese name?
You can, but Chinese speakers will read it as a foreign name. Most people who live, study or work with Chinese speakers prefer a short name with a Chinese family name and a meaningful given name.
More boys’ names starting with N
Pinyin generated from the characters; tones shown with marks. Updated 2026-11-05.