Find out how popular the first name Niklaus has been for the last 45 years (from 1979 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Niklaus by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Niklaus is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 182 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Niklaus.

The history of the first name Niklaus

The name Niklaus has its origins in the Greek language and culture. It is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which is a combination of the words "nikos" meaning "victory" and "laos" meaning "people." The name Nikolaos was popularized by St. Nicholas, the 4th-century Christian saint who was the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus.

In the early Christian era, the name Nikolaos spread throughout Europe and was adapted into various languages and cultures. The Germanic form of the name, Niklaus, emerged in regions such as Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It became a popular name among the Germanic peoples, particularly in the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Niklaus can be found in the historical records of the Holy Roman Empire. Niklaus von Flüe, also known as Brother Klaus (1417-1487), was a Swiss hermit and mystic who is revered as a national hero in Switzerland. He played a significant role in maintaining the unity of the Swiss Confederacy during the 15th century.

Another notable historical figure with the name Niklaus was Niklaus Manuel Deutsch (1484-1530), a Swiss painter, poet, and writer who was a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation. His satirical plays and woodcuts criticized the Catholic Church and played a role in the spread of Protestant ideas.

In the realm of science, Niklaus Wirth (1934-2022) was a Swiss computer scientist and pioneer in the field of programming languages. He is best known for developing the programming languages Pascal, Modula-2, and Oberon, which have had a lasting impact on computer science education and software development.

Niklaus Mikaelson is a fictional character from the popular TV series "The Vampire Diaries" and its spin-off "The Originals." He is one of the first vampires in existence and is known for his cunning, power, and complex relationships within the Mikaelson family.

In the world of literature, Niklaus Lenau (1802-1850) was an Austrian poet and writer who is considered one of the most significant lyric poets of the Biedermeier period. His works, such as "Schilflieder" and "Faust," explore themes of nature, love, and the human condition.

These are just a few examples of notable historical figures who bore the name Niklaus. While the name has its roots in Greek and Christian traditions, it has been embraced and adapted by various cultures throughout history, particularly in Germanic regions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Niklaus was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Niklaus, please contact us.

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