Rising since 2003, #2,230 for boys today.
Popularity of Klaus since 1953
Babies named Klaus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 83 |
| 1960s | 232 |
| 1970s | 124 |
| 1980s | 101 |
| 1990s | 87 |
| 2000s | 114 |
| 2010s | 324 |
| 2020s | 406 |
Meaning & origin
Klaus is a German and Dutch short form of Nicholas that has gained independence as a given name in its own right, particularly in German-speaking countries and Scandinavia. In the United States, its use has been relatively uncommon but rising in recent years, with a peak rank of 2230 in 2025, when it was given to about 1 in 27,112 boys. The name has been climbing in popularity since 2003, and its trajectory suggests continued modest growth. Historically, Klaus has appeared in the U.S. data since at least 1953, but it has never been a top-tier choice. Its most common states include Pennsylvania, Texas, and California, reflecting a scattered but noticeable presence among families with German or Scandinavian heritage. The name carries a strong, straightforward sound and benefits from its association with notable figures such as theologian Klaus Schilling and author Klaus Kordon, though it also shares a familiar form with Santa Claus.
Klaus is a German and Dutch short form of Nikolaus, the German form of Nicholas, ultimately from Greek Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people' (from nike 'victory' + laos 'people'). It has been used independently since at least the Middle Ages and is especially common in German-speaking countries, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands.
Where Klaus is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Klausi, Klaas
Variants: Claus, Klaas, Claes
Sibling names for Klaus
Names that share Klaus's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Greta, Ingrid, Frieda, Astrid, Hannah, Anneliese, Christel, Gretchen, Gretel, Heide, Heidi, Liesel, Liesl, Marleen, Marlene, Mitzi, Renate, Rudi, Trudi, Brigitta, Elsbeth, Heidie, Ilsa, Kathe, Liesa, Marlis, Elke, Fritzi, Hannelore, Konni, Marga, Senta, Marlies, Evamaria, Haide, Hedi, Heidemarie, Heike, Leisel, Liese
Brothers: Hans, Otto, Karl, Franz, Lars, Dietrich, Erich, Hagen, Hansel, Konrad, Kurt, Lorenz, Rainer, Rommel, Sigmund, Braun, Dieter, Frantz, Gunter, Gunther, Helmuth, Jaeger, Jahn, Jantzen, Jurgen, Rolfe, Siegfried, Tilman, Dietrick, Eisen, Hanzel, Helmut, Ranier, Reiner, Thorsten, Deitrich, Detrich, Kleber, Kohler, Wenzel
