Claus
/klɔːz/noun
A familiar form of Santa Claus, the legendary Christmas gift-bringer derived from Saint Nicholas.
Did you know?Santa Claus evolved from Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Christian bishop remembered for secret gift-giving, especially to the poor and children.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Nikólaos
“A personal name formed from níkē, “victory,” and lāós, “people.””
Late Antiquity
Greek/Latin
Nikolaos / Nicolaus
“The name of Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop associated with generosity and secret gifts.”
Middle Ages
Dutch
Sinterklaas
“Dutch form of “Saint Nicholas,” combining sint, “saint,” with a shortened form of Nikolaas.”
16th–17th Century
Dutch
Klaas
“A familiar shortened form of Nicolaas, used in the developing Saint Nicholas tradition.”
18th Century
American English
Santa Claus
“English-American form popularized through Dutch-speaking communities and Christmas folklore.”
Modern English
English
Claus
“A shortened reference to Santa Claus, also used as a surname and given name.”