Surname Klause - Meaning and Origin
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Klause: What does the surname Klause mean?
Klause is a German surname derived from the name Klaus, which comes from the Germanic name Claus, meaning "victory people." The original Germanic name is composed of two elements: kuz (victory) and -lasi (people). The name is often associated with Saint Nicholas, also known as Nikolaus or Claus, the patron saint of children.
The surname Klause was first found in Bavaria, where the Klause family was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. The name became prominent in local affairs and branched into many houses, some of which acquired estates and manors in other areas. Through the centuries, family members moved to other locations and played prominent roles in social, cultural, and political affairs.
In modern times, the surname is still commonly found in Germany, some spelling variations of the name include Klause, Clause, and Clauss. The variations of the name can be attributed to the cultural diversity that was highest in the medieval period when surnames were used as references to distinguish people from one another.
Today, the last name Klause is seen as a name of strength; a symbol of loyalty, perseverance, and steadfastness. It is also a reminder of the successful and independent spirit of previous generations and their accomplishments.
Order DNA origin analysisKlause: Where does the name Klause come from?
The last name Klause is mostly found in Germany, with smaller numbers found in other parts of central Europe such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Benelux countries. In Germany, the most populous state with Klause natives is Bavaria. It's mostly concentrated in the larger cities such as Munich, Nuremberg, and Regensburg.
Aside from its German roots, Klause can also be found in some parts of the United States, especially in the upper Mid-western states such as Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota, where many people of German origin have resettled. Smaller numbers can also be found in other countries with large German diaspora such as Argentina, Brazil, and New Zealand.
In addition to its geographical reach, the surname Klause is also popular in certain communities and in more recent times, the internet. In some places, the name is associated with a sweet dessert made of yeast dough and hazelnuts, while in others it is used as an online username or reference.
Overall, the last name Klause is still relatively common in its original part of the world, and can be found sporadically in other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Klause
The surname Klause is an ancient German surname of unverified origin. There are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin that trace back to the same family bloodline.
The most common variant of the surname Klause is Clauss, which is also the most commonly seen spelling. The Clauss spelling originated in the Middle Ages and is thought to be a hybrid of the word ‘Klaus’ and the Latin word ‘clausa’, meaning an enclosed settlement. Other common variants of the surname include Kloss, Klauss, Clausse, Klauser, Clauser, and Klone.
Less commonly seen spellings and variants of the surname Klause include Clouse, Clawes, Klaws, Klazy, Clazie, and Klaussen. In recent years, some spellings of Klause have shifted near to the English pronunciation of the name, such as Clause and Claussen.
The surname Klause is also linked with several surnames of similar origin. These include, Kraus, Krause, Krouse, Kraushar, Krauss, Crause, Krausse, Krausser, Krauzer, Krauser, and Krass. All of these surnames share a common bond in their early German origin and likely stem from the same family.
In conclusion, the surname Klause has a long history in Germany and is linked to several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. As time has passed, the spelling of the surname has changed and evolved to reflect current pronunciation of the name in the English language.
Famous people with the name Klause
- Klaus Kleinfeld: former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alcoa Inc. and Neubronner GmbH & Co. KG.
- Klaus Schwab: German-born entrepreneur and engineer who is the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum.
- Klaus Kleinfeld: German businessman, the former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Siemens AG.
- Klaus Wowereit: former Social Democratic Mayor of Berlin, and the longest-serving Mayor of a major German city.
- Klaus Kinski: German actor, best known for his roles as psychopaths in low-budget German films.
- Klaus Riskær Pedersen: Danish billionaire entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.
- Klaus Maria Brandauer: Austrian actor, acclaimed for his dramatic portrayal of German rulers in many films.
- Klaus Badelt: German composer, known for his collaborations with Hans Zimmer on several films, including Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Klaus Kinski: German actor best known for being the father of renowned actor and director Nastassja Kinski.
- Klaus Mikaelson: fictional character created for The Originals, part of The Vampire Diaries franchise.