Show ContentsNike History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Nike surname comes from the German personal name Nikolaus.

Early Origins of the Nike family

The surname Nike was first found in Austria, where the family rose to prominence early in the mediaeval era. From the 13th century the surname was identified with the great social and economic evolution which made this territory a landmark contributor to the development of the nation. The name refers to St. Nickolaus, the patron saint of seafaring merchants and the protector of children.

Early History of the Nike family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nike research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1582, 1664, 1717, 1745, 1756, 1761, 1766 and 1787 are included under the topic Early Nike History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nike Spelling Variations

In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Nike include Nickel, Nikel, Nickl, Nickle, Nickele, Nickels, Nickelsen, Nickelson, Nicol, Nicols, Nicolsen, Nicolson, Nichol, Nicholl, Nichols, Nicholls, Nicholson, Nichaelsen, Nickells, Nickell, Nichelmann, Nickelmann, Nichelman and many more.

Early Notables of the Nike family

Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Nike Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Nike family

After the First World War, Austria became a republic. The Treaty of Versailles broke up the empire in 1919 and many of the Sudeten Germans were incorporated into the new nation of Czechoslovakia. In the 20th century, many Austrians migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North America. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Nike were Johanna Nicholls, who arrived in Maryland in 1737; Johannes Nicol, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1739; Johan Nickel, who came to Philadelphia in 1739.


Contemporary Notables of the name Nike (post 1700) +

  • Nike Doggart, English conservationist, environmental activist and writer


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