Nichols Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Nichols come from? What does the surname Nichols mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Nichols and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Nichols Origin: What does the last name Nichols mean?
The surname Nichols is of English origin and is an anglicised form of the Scottish surname relating to Clan MacNeacail. The name first appeared in records from the United Kingdom in the early 14th century. Over the centuries, it has remained closely associated with the United Kingdom but also has a significant presence in the United States since the 16th century.
YourRoots data confirms the global spread of the Nichols surname, with a notable volume of records in the United States from the 17th century onwards. While the surname remains prominent in the United States today, it is also found in various countries worldwide. The Nichols surname reflects a rich heritage and has evolved to be a widely recognized name across different regions and cultures.
Nichols Last Name History: Where did the last name Nichols come from?
Origin of Nichols Surname: Where does the last name Nichols originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Nichols first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Nichols” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Nichols: What does the Nichols surname history look like in the early days?
The “Nichols” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 14th through the 15th century. However, YourRoots data also shows Nichols family records in the United States beginning from the 16th century, indicating a shift across the Atlantic.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Nichols surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Nichols surname grew significantly in the United States. By the early 18th century, it had surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. The “Nichols” surname remains prominent in the United States today, with a lesser volume of records globally. It appears in many countries, although the top countries by record volume can be provided upon request.
Explore Nichols last name heritage and Nichols surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Nichols Surame?
Terry Nichols
Terry Lynn Nichols (April 1, 1955 - present) is an American domestic terrorist who was convicted for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing plot. He conspired with Timothy McVeigh in planning the 1995 bombing that killed 168 people. Nichols was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for his involvement in the attack. He is currently incarcerated at ADX Florence, a supermax prison in Colorado, where he shares a cell block with other notorious criminals. Nichols' actions in the bombing have left a lasting impact on the nation's history and security measures.
Mike Nichols
Mike Nichols (Igor Mikhail Peschkowsky) (Nov 6, 1931 – Nov 19, 2014) was a versatile American film and theatre director, comedian, and one of the few EGOT winners. He directed acclaimed films like "The Graduate" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and won numerous awards, including Oscars, Tonys, Emmys, and Grammys. Nichols began his career in comedy before transitioning to directing, where he showcased his talent for bringing out the best in actors. His innovative theatre productions and successful Broadway plays solidified his reputation as a master storyteller. Nichols left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry, with his work continuing to inspire future generations.
Nichelle Nichols
Nichelle Grace Dell Nichols (Dec 28, 1932 – Jul 30, 2022) broke barriers as an American actress, singer, and dancer, known for her iconic role as Uhura in Star Trek. She was a pioneer for African American actresses on American television and worked to promote diversity in NASA's astronaut program. Nichols' decision to stay on Star Trek after a conversation with Martin Luther King Jr. underscored the show's importance in representing intelligent, quality, beautiful people. Her legacy as a vital role model continues to inspire generations.
Austin Nichols
Austin Nichols (April 24, 1980 - ) is an American actor and director known for his roles in popular TV series like One Tree Hill, The Walking Dead, and John from Cincinnati. He has also appeared in films such as The Day After Tomorrow and Wimbledon. Nichols started his career as a competitive water skier before transitioning to acting and gaining recognition for his versatile performances. With a background in sports and a passion for storytelling, Nichols continues to captivate audiences with his talent on screen.
Joe Nichols
Joseph Edward Nichols (born Nov 26, 1976) is an American country music artist known for hits like "Brokenheartsville" and "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off". He has released nine studio albums and received multiple awards, including a Grammy nomination and a Horizon Award from the Country Music Association. Nichols' career began in high school gymnasiums and small clubs before signing with Universal South Records. With his distinctive voice and traditional country sound, Nichols has become a respected figure in the country music scene.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.