Clauss

Clauss is a surname of German origin. It is a variant of Klaus, which ultimately derives from Nikolaus (Nicholas). The spelling Clauss is one of several forms of the name, with Claus and Klaus being more common variants today. As with many Germanic surnames, Clauss likely originated as a patronymic indicating descent from an ancestor named Klaus or Nikolaus, later becoming a fixed family name.

The surname is most commonly found in German-speaking countries—Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland—and has spread through migration to North America, Australia, and elsewhere. Individuals bearing the name have been noted in a range of professions, including science, sports, and the arts, though there is no single defining figure associated with the name.

In addition to a family name, Clauss may appear in corporate or brand names, and occasionally in place names or organizational titles. These uses are generally independent of the genealogical sense of the surname.

Related surnames include Claus, Klaus, Claassen, and Claessen, which share a common root in the given name Nikolaus. For researchers, variants in spelling can affect archival discovery, so consulting multiple forms is advisable.