Meaning and history
Mikołaj is the Polish form of Nicholas. Nicholas derives from Greek Nikolaos, combining nikē, “victory,” with laos, “people,” and is usually interpreted as “victory of the people.” Saint Nicholas of Myra, remembered for generosity, inspired later traditions of Santa Claus. Notable bearers include Renaissance astronomer Mikołaj Kopernik, known in Latin as Nicolaus Copernicus, and Polish Renaissance writer Mikołaj Rej. The letter ł represents a sound similar to English w.