Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Klaus
BoyGerman, Greek· “German short form of Nikolaus, victory”
- Meaning
- German short form of Nikolaus, victory
- Origin
- German, Greek
- Pronunciation
- KLOWS
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #2,245
- US babies 2025
- 63
- Best rank
- #1,353 (1968)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Klaus
Klaus is a German and Greek name that means “German short form of Nikolaus, victory”.
Klaus is the German short form of Nikolaus, the German form of Nicholas, from the Greek Nikolaos, victory of the people. Saint Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop of Myra, is known in German as Sankt Nikolaus, and his figure contributed to Santa Claus, whose name comes from the Dutch Sinterklaas. Klaus is common in Germany, Denmark and Scandinavia. It is said KLOWS, rhyming with house. Nicholas, Niklaus and Claus are related forms. Klaus Mann, the German novelist and son of Thomas Mann, is a notable bearer.
Popularity over time
Klaus first appears in US Social Security records in 1953. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,353 in 1968, and the most babies received it in 2022, when 84 were named Klaus. In 2025, 63 babies were named Klaus, and it ranked #2,245 nationally. That is 62% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #2,900 in 1980, #4,309 in 2000, #5,155 in 2010, and #2,245 in 2025. Of the 1,471 US boys named Klaus since records began, 28% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 324 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kaito, Jibreel, Armin, Arius, and Zacari.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Klaus ranked highest in Pennsylvania, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #1178 | 6 |
| California | #2652 | 5 |
| Texas | #2785 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Klaus is usually pronounced KLOWS, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-us”.
Middle names for Klaus
A few middle names that flow with Klaus: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Klaus
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Lists that include Klaus
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Klaus mean?
Klaus is a German and Greek name that means “German short form of Nikolaus, victory”.
What is the origin of the name Klaus?
Klaus has German and Greek roots. Klaus is the German short form of Nikolaus, the German form of Nicholas, from the Greek Nikolaos, victory of the people.
Is Klaus a popular name?
Not especially. Klaus ranked #2,245 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Klaus a boy or girl name?
Klaus is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Klaus?
Klaus is usually pronounced KLOWS. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings