Surname Klaes - Meaning and Origin
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Klaes: What does the surname Klaes mean?
The surname Klaes is of Germanic origin, largely found in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The name is a variant of 'Klaus', a diminutive of the biblical name 'Nicholas', which is derived from the Greek name "Nikolaos". The meaning of Nikolaos is "victory of the people", from ‘nike’, meaning victory, and ‘laos’, meaning people. Therefore, indirectly, Klaes could be understood to symbolize a person who is a victorious representative of the people. Its usage as a surname indicates ancestral descent from an individual named Klaes or Klaus. Like many surnames, it may have also been used to identify the place of origin or occupation of an individual or family. Over time and with migration, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have changed, resulting in several variants.
Order DNA origin analysisKlaes: Where does the name Klaes come from?
The surname Klaes is of Dutch origin and is a shortened form or variant of the name Nicholas (from "Nicolaas" or "Klaas" in Dutch). Nicholas, a popular first name, is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which means "victory of the people." As a surname, Klaes is relatively rare globally. It is more commonly found in northern European countries, including the Netherlands (where it originated) and Germany. In the United States, it is found among families of Dutch or German descent, but it remains relatively uncommon compared to other surnames. Despite its rarity, the name is held by many individuals and families around the world who trace their heritage back to these northern European countries.
Variations of the surname Klaes
The surname Klaes is a variant of the first name Nicholas and has various forms and spellings. There are several versions such as Klaus, Claes, and Claas. These names are commonly found in Northern Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavian countries.
Related but somewhat distant versions of the surname include Clasen, Clason, Claessen, and Claesson which are derived from adding -son (meaning "son of") to the original name. Still close in lineage are surnames developed from adding diminutive suffixes, including Claessens, Klaassen, and Klaassens.
When the Klaes family emigrated to other countries, the name could have been anglicized or translated, essentially creating new variants. For instance, in English-speaking countries, the surname Klaes might have been changed to Claus or Class. The Irish equivalent could possibly be MacLysaght, while in France it could become Nicolas. More distant variations might link to the Greek origin of the name Nicholas, so Nikolaou, Nikolaidis, and Nikolaev could be considered related.
While not exhaustive, this captures some of the many variants and spellings of the surname Klaes.
Famous people with the name Klaes
- August Klaes: German pathologist and bacteriologist (1849-1913)
- Jutta Klaes: German journalist and author (born 1934)
- Christina Klaes: German-American conceptual painter (born 1973)
- Moritz Klaes: German racing cyclist (born 1996)
- Hans Klaes: German artistic glassblower and sculptor (1937-2009)
- Uwe Klaes: German architect (born 1955)
- John Klaes: American general (1881-1959)
- Johannes Klaes: German builder (1605-1676)
- Tom Klaes: German Olympic athlete (born 1968)
- Willy Klaes: Belgian Pilsner beer brewer (1868-1951)