Claus – Name Meaning
The name Claus is a Germanic name derived from the Latin word “claudus”, which means “lame”. It was originally used as a nickname for someone who had a physical disability or was otherwise considered to be less than perfect. The name has since evolved to become more of an endearing term, and is often associated with Santa Claus.
History and Origin
The earliest known use of the name Claus dates back to the 12th century in Germany. It was first recorded in the form of “Klaus”, which was a diminutive form of the name Nicholas. Over time, the spelling changed to “Claus” and it eventually became a popular given name in Germany and other parts of Europe.
The popularity of the name spread to other countries, including the United States. In America, it was most commonly used as a nickname for people with disabilities or those who were considered to be less than perfect. This association with imperfection eventually led to its association with Santa Claus.
Popularity
The name Claus is not particularly common in the United States today. According to Social Security Administration data, it ranked at #7,845 in 2019. However, it is still relatively popular in some European countries such as Germany and Austria.
Famous People Named Claus
There are several famous people who have been given the name Claus over the years. These include:
- Claus von Stauffenberg – German military officer who attempted to assassinate Adolf Hitler during World War II.
- Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg – German aristocrat and diplomat.
- Claus von Amsberg – Dutch prince consort.
- Claus Jørgensen – Danish footballer.
- Claus-Dieter Wollitz – German football manager.
Conclusion
The name Claus has a long history that dates back centuries. It has been used as both a given name and a nickname for people with disabilities or those who were considered to be less than perfect. Today, it is still relatively popular in some European countries but not so much in the United States. Despite this, there are still many famous people who have been given this unique name over the years.