Boy · Greek · New Testament

Nicodemus

nik-oh-DEE-mus · from Nikodemos · means “Victory of the people”

Nicodemus is a Greek name meaning "victory of the people." He was a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council who came to Jesus by night with honest questions, later defended him before the Sanhedrin, and finally helped bury him with costly spices (John 3, 7, and 19).

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

The story behind the name

Nicodemus first appears coming to Jesus under cover of night, a respected teacher of Israel unsure how his curiosity would look to his fellow Pharisees. Jesus told him plainly that he must be born again, and their conversation gave the world one of Scripture's most quoted verses, John 3:16.

Later, when other religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus without a fair hearing, Nicodemus was the one who spoke up for due process, asking whether their law condemned a man without first hearing him out (John 7:50-51). It cost him standing among his peers, but he said it anyway.

After the crucifixion, Nicodemus came forward openly at last, bringing seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes to prepare Jesus's body for burial alongside Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:39-40). A boy named Nicodemus carries a name for honest seeking, quiet courage, and faith that grows steadily into the open.

Middle names that sing with Nicodemus

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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