The name Niklas is a masculine given name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which itself is a compound of the words "niko" meaning "victory" and "laos" meaning "people." The name Nikolaos was later Latinized to Nicolaus, from which the modern forms Nicholas and Niklas emerged.

In its earliest recorded use, the name Niklas appeared in Old Norse texts as Niklas or Nikulas, referring to the 4th-century saint and bishop of Myra, Saint Nicholas. The name gained popularity in Scandinavia during the Middle Ages as a result of the widespread veneration of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, sailors, and various other groups.

One of the earliest known historical figures bearing the name Niklas was Niklas Ragvaldsson (c. 1130–1192), a Swedish nobleman and jarl (earl) who played a significant role in the consolidation of Sweden's power during the 12th century. Another notable early bearer of the name was Niklas Hermansson (c. 1330–1391), a Swedish clergyman and scholar who served as the Bishop of Linköping from 1375 until his death.

During the Renaissance period, the name Niklas gained further prominence with individuals such as Niklas Kopernik (1473–1543), the Polish astronomer better known by his Latinized name Nicolaus Copernicus, who revolutionized the study of astronomy with his heliocentric model of the solar system. Another influential figure was Niklas Hausmann (1479–1538), a German painter and wood carver who made significant contributions to the art of the Northern Renaissance.

In more recent history, several notable individuals have borne the name Niklas, including Niklas Zennström (born 1966), the Swedish entrepreneur and co-founder of Skype; Niklas Lidström (born 1970), the Swedish professional ice hockey player and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame; and Niklas Süle (born 1995), the German professional soccer player who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund and the German national team.

Throughout its long history, the name Niklas has been consistently associated with individuals of Scandinavian and Northern European descent, reflecting its origins in the Old Norse language and the enduring cultural significance of Saint Nicholas in these regions.