Klas

Klas is a Swedish masculine given name, a contracted form of the medieval Latinized name Nicolaus, which itself derives from the ancient Greek Nikolaos, composed of the elements nike meaning victory and laos meaning people. The name spread throughout medieval Europe under the influence of Saint Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop of Myra whose legendary generosity became the basis for the figure of Santa Claus. Klas has been a common given name in Scandinavia for centuries and remains in use in Sweden today. Closely related forms include Klaus, Nils, and Nikolaj.