What Does the Name Klaus Mean?
Klaus is a boy's name of Greek origin meaning “victory of the people.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Klaus |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | Greek |
| Meaning | victory of the people |
| Variants | Nicholas, Nikolaus, Claus, Niklas |
| Popularity | A classic German name that was especially popular in the mid-20th century; uncommon in the US but internationally recognizable. |
The meaning and origin of Klaus
The name Klaus means “victory of the people” and has Greek origins. Klaus is a German short form of Nikolaus (Nicholas), from the Greek Nikolaos combining nike 'victory' and laos 'people.' It is a traditional and widely recognized name in German-speaking countries.
Variants and related names
Klaus is related to several other names you may recognize: Nicholas, Nikolaus, Claus, Niklas. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Klaus?
A classic German name that was especially popular in the mid-20th century; uncommon in the US but internationally recognizable.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Klaus mean?+
The name Klaus means “victory of the people” and is of Greek origin.
What is the origin of the name Klaus?+
Klaus originates from Greek.
Is Klaus a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Klaus has trended in the US over time.
Klaus by gender
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Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press