Claus

Claus is a Low German and Scandinavian short form of Nikolaus, itself derived from the ancient Greek name Nikolaos, composed of the elements nikē, meaning victory, and laos, meaning people. The name spread widely across northern Europe during the medieval period through the cult of Saint Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop of Myra whose legendary generosity made him one of the most venerated Christian saints. In German-speaking lands Claus became a common independent given name, and its association with Saint Nicholas endures in the figure of Santa Claus, an anglicization of the Dutch Sinterklaas. Related forms include Klaus, Niklaus, Nicolaus, and Niklas.