Meaning: Its source is Nicholas, an English name meaning "Victorious people."

Origin: "Nicholas."

Narrative: This surname is a likely a direct descendant of Colle, a medieval nickname of Nicholas.

Other derivations have been suggested. They include the Old Norse personal name Koli, meaning ''dark,'' a Middle English surname given to those living on property whose ownership was disputed, and the Gaelic name Coileain, meaning ''puppy.''