In France, certain male first names remain extremely confidential, with barely a few hundred births in more than a century according to The Official First Names. The guide by Stéphanie Rapoport and Claire Tabarly Perrin highlights these short and rare first names, often carrying an ancient history. Among them, an old medieval nickname for Nicolas breaks records for discretion.
This first name is Colasshort form of the classic Nicolas. Colas comes from the Greek Nikolaos, itself formed from the words nikê for victory and laos for the people, which gives the clear meaning of “victory of the people”. Used since the Middle Ages, this little name with its old charm remains extremely rare today, which intrigues many future parents.
Meaning and origin of the first name Colas
THE first name Colas takes up the symbolism of Nicholas, often linked to Saint Nicholas of Myra, a popular figure in Europe. In the short version, Colas keeps this possible Christian background but also reads like a secular first name, simple and direct.
Colas was already used in France in the Middle Ages as an affectionate nickname. We immediately hear something rustic and sweet, in just two syllables. This medieval, almost storybook side appeals to parents who want a
medieval first name assumed, but lighter than a very solemn knight’s name.
Rarity of the first name Colas in France: around 700 births
The figures confirm this discretion: around 750 boys named Colas in France since 1900. We remain very far from mainstream first names, well below the threshold of 1,000 attributions.
INSEE specifies that its file covers births from 1900 to 2024 and that the numbers are rounded to the multiple of 5 to protect anonymity, which explains these slight differences between sites. The record year came in 2001 with only 35 little Colas, and there were only around ten births in 2024. The first name therefore remains alive, but truly confidential.
Why choose Colas for a little boy today
In the current wave of short first names like Léo or Malo, Colas ticks a lot of boxes while remaining unique. It sounds French, easy to pronounce, without a complicated accent. It goes well with more classic middle names, for example Colas Arthur or Colas Gabriel, and it also works with long last names which benefit from being preceded by a very simple first name.
This choice often attracts parents attached to French roots who find Nicolas too commonplace but like what he says. With Colas, they keep the strong sense of the “victory of the people” while offering their son a rare, sweet and a little timeless first name. A discreet compromise between tradition, originality and history.