There have been several well-known people named William Nicholson, including:

• William Nicholson (artist)
• William Nicholson (chemist)
• William Nicholson (dramatist)
• William Nicholson (Mayor of Melbourne)
• Sir William Nicholson (soldier) , British General, and Chief of the Imperial General Staff
• William Nicholson (naval officer) served in the United States Navy.