Klaus
/klaʊs/noun
A German given name, originally a short form of Nikolaus (Nicholas).
Did you know?Klaus is a German diminutive of Nikolaus, ultimately from Greek Nikolaos, meaning “victory of the people,” so its roots are heroic rather than occult.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Nikólaos
“A personal name meaning “victory of the people,” from níkē (“victory”) + laós (“people”).”
Late Latin
Latin
Nicolaus
“The Latinized form of the Greek name, used widely in Christian contexts.”
Middle High German
German
Klaus
“A shortened familiar form of Nikolaus, used as a given name.”
Modern English
English
Klaus
“A German name borrowed into English, especially familiar as a personal name.”