Surname Klaussen - Meaning and Origin

Klaussen: What does the surname Klaussen mean?

The last name Klaussen is of German and Scandinavian origin. It is believed to be a variation of the name Klaus, itself derived from the Germanic name "Claus" or "Nikolaus", which means "Victory of the People".

The name likely first appeared in Germany in the 13th century. Over time, it spread to other countries. Variations of the name include Klausson, Klassen, Claussen, and Clausson.

The name also has some religious meaning, likely referring to the biblical St. Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus in modern times. In German, the name is also associated with "Klausmeister" — a leader of a church assembly.

In modern times, the meaning of the name is often seen as being related to "victory," "victorious," or "victor." The word itself is a combination of "klaus," which is derived from the Old German word for "people" or "tribe," and "son" or "sćn" — from the Old Norse for "victory."

There is much debate regarding the origins and etymology of the name, however it continues to be used as a surname throughout Europe and North America to the present day.

Klaussen: Where does the name Klaussen come from?

The last name Klaussen is a patronymic surname found primarily in Northern Europe, especially in Denmark, The Netherlands, and areas formerly part of the German state. Klaussen can be found throughout Scandinavia, in places like Norway, Sweden, and Finland, as well as in several other European countries, including Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg.

In Germany, people with the Klaussen last name are most commonly found in areas like the former Westphalia, Kurhessen, and Saxony, while in The Netherlands it is more densely located near the cities of Lelystad and Almere, which are part of the province of Flevoland.

Outside of Europe, the last name is most common in Canada – reportedly, most people of Danish descent in Canada carry the Klaussen name. It is also found in the United States in the states of Nebraska, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa, with concentrations in and around cities like Omaha and Green Bay. It appears more sporadically in other countries throughout the world, primarily in settler populations and limited family branches.

Variations of the surname Klaussen

The surname Klaussen has many variants in spelling and usage, including Klassen, Klaesen, Klasen, Claessen, Claassen, Claesen, and Clasen. In some cases, the extra 's' is retained, making Klassens, Klaessens, Claessens, and Claassens. These surnames are all variants of the same given name, Klaus, which is derived from the Germanic name Nicolaus, meaning 'victory of the people.'

Klaus has had many other derivative surnames over the centuries, including Clausen, Clausse, Clouse, Klause, Klouz, Kloos, Klowski, Klüver, Carlsen, Carlesen, and Carls. Some of these are anglicised versions, having been adopted by descendants of German immigrants who settled in the US, Canada, and other nations around the world.

The German form of the surname is also used in parts of Europe, particularly countries in the vicinity, with minor variations in spelling such as Klauß, Klaußen, and Klaußmann. The spelling Klaus is common in Austria, where it is the short form of Nikolaus. Dutch variants of the name include Klaasen and Claessen.

The surname is also found among Dutch immigrants who settled in South Africa, Suriname, and the Dutch East Indies. In some cases, the spelling has undergone changes due to the local languages, such as Klaasenboom and Klaasse in South Africa, and Klaasko in Suriname, reflecting the Malay language.

Regardless of the spelling, the surname Klausen, or its variants, have a common root in the Germanic name Nicolaus, and can be traced back to the same origins.

Famous people with the name Klaussen

• Anne Klaussen: famous German model who has been featured in many campaigns for major fashion brands
• Michael Klaussen: former Danish professional football player who featured in the UEFA Euro 1988.
• Jan Klaussen: established Dutch art director and photographer.
• Sarah Klaussen: award-winning Icelandic filmmaker and artist.
• Stan Klaussen: prominent American politician and former Kansas state senator.
• Dena Klaussen: celebrated Canadian activist and philanthropist.
• Tor Klaussen: Norwegian entrepreneur and founding director of Klaussen Consulting.
• Paul Klaussen: renowned Austrian composer and musician.
• Andrew Klaussen: prominent English visual artist, specializing in oil and pastel painting.
• Eric Klaussen: accomplished Swedish-American engineer and former electric-power executive.
• Trine Klaussen: Norwegian author and former literary critic.
• Michelle Klaussen: award-winning Canadian alpine skier.
• Klaussen Hüttner: German venture capitalist and managing partner of the private equity firm Klaussen Capital.
• Frederick Klaussen: prominent Dutch entrepreneur and founder of Klaussen Group.
• Karen Klaussen: American poet and spoken-word artist.

Other surnames

KlaussKlaussner